Innovative Kitchen Ideas that Make a Statement!

What are the new additions you should consider for your kitchen remodel? Here are a few tips what to look for:

Induction cooktops

Induction cooktops are probably the most widespread of all kitchen technologies. These cooktops use electromagnetic effect to heat up pans and pots you put on them. As the cooktop itself does not heat up at all, it's much safer than regular ones. Also, it consumes much less energy, as it heats the pots directly.
One thing to watch out for, however: induction only works with ferrous metals.

Dishwasher drawers

When you're short in space, a dishwasher drawer comes in handy. They need about half the space of a regular dishwasher, and can be fitted with your cabinets in a way that gives the appearance of a regular kitchen drawer. They are easy to operate, too - imagine not needing to bend down again!

Appliance garage

Are you tired with small appliances cluttering your worktop? Worry no more, an appliance garage is like a cabinet, only put on the worktop-level, where you can easily stow appliances. It has a roll-down door you can easily close, so there is no clutter, and - as a bonus - your appliances don't collect dust. If you want even more fancy, add electric outlets into the garage too.

Microwave drawer

If you have a base cabinet you can spare, a microwave drawer can free up worktop space too. Just like the dishwasher drawer, they might be easier to operate and are more accessible too. A few things to consider though: you should put the microwave on the side of a counter and far from the cooking range, so there are no issues with greasy splatters from the regular cooking. Also watch out for the steam when you open it.

Kitchen Design Ideas

As many people begin downsizing the rest of their home into more manageable and affordable sizes, the opposite has happened for kitchens!  In modern times, kitchens are being designed as the primary living space of the home, where the family comes together to work work and socialize.  The kitchen is no longer simply a space for cooking and eating.  These were just a few of the observations noted by kitchen designers Mary Jo Peterson and MaryJo Camp, and architect Doug Van Lerberghe in a January 13 session on “Reinventing the Kitchen” at the International Builder’s Show in Orlando, Fla. They offered these timely tips for creating kitchens that shine in today’s market.

1.  Sinks are now becoming the "prep" areas of the kitchen rather than just for dishes.   Try and upgrade to two sinks if possible to allow two people to work simultaneously.

2.  Universal design for kitchen to make it functional and accessible is a trait that everyone can appreciate.

3.  Use the space in your kitchen wisely to allow for better functionality, don't try to cram "luxury" features if it is not feasible.

4.  Going green in your kitchen design with items such as energy star appliances will  help you, the homeowner, save!

5. Try growing an herb garden or small vegetable garden on the window sill for organic and local food!

6. Splash some color on unique parts of your kitchen to add emphasis and personality.

7. Try new colors in your kitchen that you may not be used to, it can add even more fun and personalizes space to your kitchen.

8. Try different contrasts such as light/dark or smooth/texture to add dimension to your kitchen.

9. Remember that when you are designing your kitchen make sure that you make changes that can easily be swapped out later and for long-term investments try to go more neutral.

10. Give your kitchen a feeling of openness and warmth by using warm colored and metallic finishes.

11. Make your kitchen simple, traditional never goes out of style!

12. If you have a certain special element in the kitchen make sure it stands out and isn't competing for attention from other elements.

13. Function, function, function! Your kitchen really should incorporate functionality as a cornerstone of the design.

14. Make your kitchen mobile; for example, use an island that is on wheels to help make a kitchen bigger if it needs to be.

15. Use appliances that can handle more than one task at a time.

16. If you are on a budget, pick the things you want most and put the majority of the money into those and leave the smaller budget for the less unique aspects of the kitchen.

17. Always look for savings when designing your kitchen!

18. Lighten up your kitchen by adding windows or a skylight that can help create a more welcoming atmosphere and happier space in the kitchen!

19. Embrace designs of nature in your kitchen, nothing is better than being one with nature!

20. Splurge on the design elements in your kitchen you want, small expenditures to make your kitchen better are always worth it!

For more information on design elements for your kitchen click here!

Don't Let Your Kitchen Remodel Cause You Stress! Choose Marrokal!

Kitchen remodeling can be costly and inconvenient process. However, you can avoid them by seeking the services of a professional kitchen remodeling contractor. Not only will you be able to remodel your kitchen in a cost-effective manner, you can also look forward to a beautiful and functional kitchen after the job is complete.

Kitchen remodeling contractors are vital to the success of your remodeling project within the budget, especially contractors from Marrokal. The best contractors can guide you during the remodeling job by collaborating with you about ideas and other concepts that can help with the completion of a functional kitchen. They can also provide professional advice so that you will make informed decisions during the remodeling project. Thus, before embarking on a kitchen remodeling project, take your time in seeking the best contractors. They can ease your worries and even make your remodeling project enjoyable.

A Kitchen Remodel Can Renew the Life of Your Home!

Sometimes your home may start to seem boring, lifeless, even unbearable.  The easiest way to renew the life of your home and make you enjoy being there again is to remodel the kitchen.  You would be amazed at how much life can be added to you home simply by remodeling the kitchen!

One of the best strategies of increasing a home’s value is by remodeling its kitchen. The cost of kitchen remodeling however, can cause a glitch in your plans. But, before going through with those plans, what are your reasons remodeling your kitchen? To increase your home’s value for resale or for efficiency in the kitchen? No matter your purpose, kitchen remodeling can increase the value of your home.

There are many factors that can affect your planned kitchen remodeling. They all depend on your needs. But, in order to get the best results especially if you are on a budget, it is always advisable to seek professional contractors to do the job for you. Not all contractors are expensive; some if not most of them can work with your budget. Working with a professional contractor can even make kitchen remodeling fun and cost-effective.

When remodeling your kitchen, you need to determine certain things that can improve the value of your home based on your purpose. If you plan on getting a much higher price when selling the house, you should make sure that the design and color will fit the taste of most home buyers. But, if you are remodeling with the thought of using your kitchen for many years to come, you can choose any design or color that you want.

Thinking About the Color Scheme of Your New Kitchen?

Color selection and color schemes are important aspects of kitchen remodeling or any home improvement project for that matter. But your planning your kitchen's color motif is an inexpensive yet effective way of changing the mood of the area. Home improvement stores in Tampa have so many selections of kitchen remodeling essentials to choose from, which makes your task a lot easier. The only thing to remember is to choose according to what you have.

Colors have their own meanings and can elicit feelings and emotions without you being aware of it. This is why when you're remodeling your kitchen, know which shades to use and avoid in order to have a kitchen that embraces you whenever you're in it.

Small kitchens should generally stay away from dark colors because they tend to make the room look even smaller. If you need to put in a dark shade, best to use them on your kitchen cabinets (brown/wood, deep red, dark blue, charcoal gray) or the flooring (wood floors, maroon ceramic tile, etc.) Also, go for simple, unadorned cabinets to steer clear of a cluttered look.

Standard-sized kitchens can basically choose any color they want for their cabinets, floorings, counters, and equipments. One way of stepping it up a notch is by adjusting your lighting. If natural light has access to your kitchen, you can compliment this by choosing bright colors like yellow and whites. However, if you get limited natural light, best steer away from dark colored walls to keep that light ambiance. But here is one remodeling warning from a Tampa interior decorator: stay away from stark white colors on everything (kitchen cabinets, counters, tiles, frig, everything!). White on everything can be associated to hospitals which is a very unpleasant for some. If you must, choose off-white shades.

Kitchen Remodels Made Easy

Probably the most important aspect of a kitchen remodel is choosing the floor plan. Kitchen remodeling is one of the most desirable home improvement projects for many homeowners. A new kitchen increases the value of your home and makes your life easier. The first step to your new kitchen is to set a budget.

Cabinets along One Wall
Using wall cabinets on both sides can make the room feel cramped, so consider replacing with open shelving. This could be practical if you have a long narrow kitchen. This is the least functional type of kitchen. If you have to have this type of plan, make sure the sink is in the center with the oven and fridge close by so the cook can easily prepare the food. Also make sure you have enough counter space between appliances a common mistake is to put only 8" to a foot between appliances and layout is not conducive to family gatherings in the kitchen unless you have a larger area where you can put a table and chairs.

Galley Kitchen
This style of kitchen is often seen in apartments and smaller homes and offers an efficient use of space, making it the choice of many professional chefs. A layout with two rows of units allows room for lots of preparation space, and moving between activities areas can be as easy as simply turning around and consists of a somewhat narrow kitchen with cabinets along 2 opposing walls. The most efficient use of small space, the Corridor Kitchen allows for convenient access to the cabinets and appliances on both walls. Allow for the corridor to be at least 48" wide. Closing one end off will cut down on traffic, but it does not leave any room for family or friends to join in the fun.

L Shaped Kitchen
An L shaped cabinet arrangement can make good use of space and be a lot easier to work in. The work triangle joins two key areas on one side of the L, with the third on the other side. The sink, cooker and fridge can be in any order, although putting the sink and cooker on opposite sides of the L works well, as you’ll have worktop space around them. The L-Shaped kitchen provides a work area largely unbroken by traffic. One of the most common kitchen designs, it provides excellent flexibility in the placement of major appliances.