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Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Island Ideas and Designs In Homer Glen

When it comes to kitchen island ideas and designs in Homer Glen, there certainly are several amazing elements you can add to it. And they are generally called island end caps. By simply adding something to the end of your island, it is a great way to help make your kitchen area stand out. Click on the orange button below and listen to a podcast about this topic.  I hope you enjoy it!

 

Kitchen Island Ideas and Designs In Homer Glen

The island in the kitchen area has been a standard to kitchen areas for years. Nowadays, their use has certainly developed, and now there are unique ways to adjust them to your design of the kitchen area. What used to be a routine, square shape of the counter area has come to be just so much more with time as designs and fashions changed along with the needs of their owners. Nowadays, the island has become a lot more of the focal point of the home kitchen, an excellent area to entertain, and is a perfect strategy to update your cooking area.

Let’s start with the end cap components. This could be the area that’s facing the stove. Some people have chosen this section for a display rack of servers for entertaining groups of people or maybe your household. Its quick and easy accessibility from the oven to the kitchen.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Have an island end cap of spice racks is likewise a popular choice. Even though this generates more functionality as everything remains in plain sight, however, it really can take a little flare and style with using the most appropriate rack. Some want to keep the spices concealed. On the other hand, it’s far from being unusual to display your spice rack so you can brag about your culinary abilities.

Storage is also a significant factor to bear in mind. No matter if it is cookbooks and even fast access utensils, you don’t want to be rushing around your kitchen area to get a saucepan when you can have it in a cabinet in the island. This would be a beautiful space for many of your most-used pots and frying pans. In the end, it all boils down to the design of your island as well as the total layout.

Custom Kitchen Island Ideas

Another thing many property owners do not always think about is including their family pets. While many may shoo the dog or cat away, to others, pets are family members and equally as welcomed. Many add their animals in by making a water and feed station right into the side of the kitchen island. This concept does the job much better with larger kitchen areas but will not permit a much smaller one to ruin any ingenuity. The family pet is truly a good boy and ought to have that scrap that happens to drop to the floor. Including a built-in water and feeding station is going to serve to help keep you from stumbling over bowls as you walk through your kitchen space. They’ll be stationary, and dangers kept at a minimum.

The kitchen area island can also have an entertainment area. This will be the area of the kitchen space where you will be entertaining visitors or maybe visiting family members. This might be facing out into a family room or perhaps a dining room. A wine rack, mini-fridge, or maybe a tiny sink would undoubtedly be terrific for this particular side of the island. Many people at this time happen to be trying to entwine functionality, form, and entertainment into their kitchen area. Finishes have equally changed throughout the years: wood with a matte finish with a so much more subtle relaxed atmosphere to the area.

Lotz of Logic

With kitchen island ideas and designs in Homer Glen, the styles, as well as concepts for the island in your kitchen, are numerous. It is important to take into consideration what the total use will likely be and some other ways you anticipate making use of it. Plan the style adequately, and its performance will undoubtedly be faultless at your next family get-togethers. Always remember, where there’s food, there’s fellowship. 

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on updating your kitchen island, give me a call. My team and I have been serving Orland Park, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Lemont, Orland Hills, Palos Park, St John IN, and all of the Chicago area for 30+ years.

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Kitchen Island End Caps | Remodeling Options

There are several seriously cool details you can add to either end of the island in your kitchen. These are generally known as kitchen island end caps | remodeling options. And they are a way of incorporating a little something to the end of your island to help make your kitchen truly stand out.

 

Kitchen Island End Caps | Remodeling Options

The kitchen island has been a significant staple in many kitchens for years. Nowadays, the use of kitchen islands has evolved, and there are many ways to adjust them for your kitchen’s style. Islands used to be a simple square shape of counter space, but now they are becoming a lot more as they change styles and designs. Now the island has become the focal point in the kitchen. That is because it is a great place to entertain, and there are many ways to update it as well. 

This is because the kitchen island is not just a workspace anymore. Because it is becoming a focal point in the modern kitchen, it becomes a high selling point in any home. And buyers are looking for places that can be multifunctional and not just single-use workspaces in the kitchen. Standard features that are often found in and around the kitchen island are an auxiliary sink, extra seating, additional storage as well as flex space that can easily transition from prep work to entertainment. The cooktop is another item that is often installed on the island, as well. 

DIY Kitchen Island Makeover

One of the best ways to update your kitchen island is to incorporate end caps on it. The area of the island that faces the oven is a great space to add an end cap, drawers, cabinets, or even a spice rack. It is also a great space to put in shelves to store and display serving dishes. Doing that is a great idea, especially if you are having a large party, and you can quickly get a large serving platter without having to leave the room to get it. And if your kitchen is part of an open floor plan, then having the part of the island facing out of the kitchen is a great place to put shelves for all of your beautiful serving platters and dishes. 

Having a spice rack as an end cap is a trendy idea. Besides, it adds functionality and keeping everything in plain sight. It is easy to add in flare by installing a stylish rack to put all of your spices on. While some people like to keep their spices hidden away in a cabinet or closet, it’s not out of the ordinary to showcase all of your spices so that you can brag to your guests about your culinary skills. 

Incorporating storage on the island is something to consider, as well. It can be a mini-fridge or a wine rack to store those items as well as free up space in the main fridge. Cookbooks or quick access utensils are other items that you can create storage for on the island. That way, you aren’t running around the kitchen looking for a specific saucepan or utensil. And on flanking end caps, besides adding in shelves for cookbooks. Families often include shelves for small children to keep their bowls, plates, and utensils on is a great idea as well. In the long run, it all comes down to the overall design and layout of your kitchen.

Best Kitchen Island Remodel

While many people might not let their dog or cat in the kitchen, other people see their pets as part of the family and make sure that they are equally welcome in the kitchen. To include their pets in the kitchen, many people install water and food stations for their pets on the side of the kitchen island. This idea often works better in larger kitchens, but you shouldn’t let a smaller one ruin any integrity. Especially since the family dog is usually a good boy and enjoys getting treats that might fall to the floor. So by having a built-in water and feeding station is a big help to you. Because it will prevent you from tripping over the bowls as you walk through the kitchen space. 

A kitchen island is also an excellent place for entertaining guests. This is often the part of the kitchen where you entertain guests and loved ones. And it could be looking into either the family or dining rooms. And a wine rack, mini-fridge, and an extra sink are often installed on the island because people are often trying to entwine form, functionality, and entertainment into the kitchen area. 

Lotz of Logic

The ideas and styles that you pick for your kitchen island are genuinely limitless. Something that you need to keep in mind what the use will be now and in the future. Because finishes have evolved over the years, the look you choose will give the space a more subtle relaxed feel. So make sure that you plan the design accurately, and its execution will be flawless at the next family gathering. Because where there is food, there is fellowship.

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on kitchen island end caps | remodeling options, give me a call. My team and I have been serving Hinsdale, Oak Brook, LaGrange, Darien, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Bluff, and all of the Chicago area for 30+ years.

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Pros and Cons of Granite and Quartz Countertops

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, there are few factors to think about while deciding on which type of material to use on your countertops. There are several selections to keep in mind. These can be once-a-year care, discolor resistance, durability, as well as all-round appearance. So it is essential to keep the Pros and Cons of Granite and Quartz Countertops in mind when making a decision.

 

Pros and Cons of Granite and Quartz Countertops

There are several reasons to consider when you are looking to install either granite or quartz countertops in your kitchen. Both of them are excellent materials to use and are quite popular, though they have different features and require different types of maintenance. It’s like if you were thinking of buying a luxury car. And you have two vehicles in mind that are made by two different companies. They both have the same level of quality, but their brands mark some small differences and features. The choice between the two is always a preference that is up to you by what matters most is how you see your future car or countertop. Granite and quartz are great and very similar products, and they have a few differences that will sway you to pick one or the other.

And the pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops will help you decide which one is right for you and your kitchen. 

Countertop Options

First of all, the quartz countertop is virtually maintenance-free, where the granite countertop needs to be sealed yearly. Secondly, both of them are stain-resistant if you remember to keep the granite sealed regularly. Besides these two steps, several other factors need to be considered and looked at when deciding whether to get granite or quartz countertops for your new updated kitchen. When it comes to looking at the further differences between granite and quartz. Let’s start by looking at granite.

Granite is a unique material that consists of several types of minerals and elements that create the durable substance that we know and use today. It is stronger than marble and most other countertops that are made of natural minerals. And it has a crystallized appearance that makes it unique. 

Quartz is another great material to use for countertops in your kitchen. And it is different from granite in the sense that it is a human-made material that is combined with natural materials. It also has a consistent pattern flow through it because it is human-made. Whereas the granite has varying degrees of look to it because it is naturally made.

The Pros and Cons of Quartz vs. Granite for Your New Kitchen

Since granite is a natural stone, it has several features that you need to be aware of. It is a more porous material than quartz, so it needs more maintenance. When you have granite first installed in your kitchen, the professionals will seal it for you. Sealing it protects the stone as you are cutting or preparing food on top of it. If the granite isn’t sealed, then it can get damaged, and liquids or chemicals could seep through. The seal will eventually fade, and to prevent further damage. It is best if you reseal the countertop once a year.

Doing this will ensure that the stone is protected and will preserve the beautiful shine that it has. And the different patterns in the stone make it a great feature to have.

Quartz doesn’t need the same kind of maintenance. Because it is human-made, it’s not as vulnerable as something from nature is. Since it is human-made and requires less maintenance, quartz has been designed for ease and strength. And you don’t need to seal it. Just take good care of it as you would with any other hardware or piece of furniture in your home, and you can expect a healthy kitchen countertop in your home. Because quartz can withstand stains, you can use it knowing that you won’t stain the countertop, which is a great feature to have and is an excellent choice for a beautiful home. 

Lotz of Logic

Granite and quartz countertops are both beautiful options to use in your kitchen. While granite can be more expensive, natural, and harder to maintain, the uniqueness and beauty of it can’t be beaten. Quartz is natural to have and is reliable, and it also has a beautiful design. But the choice is up to you based on what matters most for your kitchen. And no matter which one you go within the end, you will have a beautiful kitchen when the remodeling is all said and done. Especially if you incorporate a decorative edge to the countertop.

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on granite or quartz countertops, give me a call. My team and I have been serving South Barrington, Barrington, North Barrington, Inverness, Lake Zurich, Schaumburg, Elgin, Long Grove, South Elgin, Palatine, Wayne, Deerfield, and all of the Chicago area for 30+ years.

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9 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Sometimes doing a do it yourself renovation can be a bit daunting. But the updates can be controlled when achieved in bite-size sections — especially when using these 9 ways to upgrade your kitchen.

 

9 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

When it comes to upgrading and remodeling your kitchen, it can seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t always have to be such a daunting task. There are significant upgrades that you can do over a year or possibly three to four years. If handled correctly over time, you can steadily pay for smaller projects without breaking your budget or the bank. And before you realize it, you will have a brand new kitchen! The list of items that you can update over time is straightforward and budget-friendly. Let’s take a look!

  1. Countertops
  2. Sinks, Faucets, & Disposals
  3. Backsplash
  4. Update Cabinets
  5. New Trim Work
  6. Updating the Pantry
  7. Update Appliances
  8. Change out Kitchen Lighting
  9. Painting the Kitchen

Updating Your Kitchen

Countertops: Start by taking a look at the countertops in your kitchen. If they are in good condition, then you can leave them. But if they are looking worn out or a little beaten up from a lot of use. Then go ahead and replace them with a beautiful slab of granite or quartz. And since you will need to reset the sink and faucet, this would be a great time to do it. Because it gives your kitchen a nice facelift. 

Sinks, Faucets, & Disposals: if you are replacing the countertops, then you should take this time to replace the sink, faucet, and disposal. The existing ones should be reset anyhow, so this is a great time to do it. And you won’t regret doing it all at the same time. But be prepared to possibly have to pay an electrician to update or move some electrical for the disposal. 

Backsplash: Replacing the backsplash in your kitchen is a great thing to do every 5-7 years. Especially as the trends move forward, just taking out the old backsplash and installing a newer style is an instant facelift. The backsplash can also tie into your countertops. And it updates your kitchen without having to break the bank. 

DIY Renovation

Updating Cabinets: Instead of replacing the kitchen cabinets, which can run from anywhere $8,000-$15,000+, there are two inexpensive methods to use. If the cabinets are in good shape, then you can change out and update the hardware. Just changing out the knobs and hinges on the cabinets will make a huge difference. And it will only cost a small investment. If you can’t afford brand new cabinets, but want to update them, then hire a company to refurbish them for you. Adding end caps to the island gives it a whole new look. And if you are wanting to get rid of your old cabinets. Donating them or selling them will give you some money to cover the costs of the renovation.

New Trim Work: If the cabinets aren’t very tall, then adding some crown molding to the ceiling will make your kitchen very elegant. But if the cabinets reach the ceiling, then don’t install crown molding. You can also install trim work around the base of your kitchen. Adding in the trim work to the kitchen also creates a great look if you can’t do crown molding.

Updating the Pantry: All the pantry takes is some new shelves and a new light or two. Painting it also adds life to the pantry as well. A cool feature that you can do with the lights is connecting them to the door so that when the door is open, the lights turn on. And if the door is closed, the lights are off. This comes in handy if your hands are full when you enter the pantry so that you don’t have to worry about finding a free hand or finger to turn the light on. 

Breathing Life Into an Old Kitchen

Updating the Appliances: Doing this will give your kitchen an instant facelift. But you have to be careful. Because new appliances can show how outdated your kitchen is. Though if you have already updated other areas of the kitchen, then it won’t stand out as much. You also have to remember that new appliances can be pricey. But there are many great options out there to pick from to update your kitchen.

Kitchen Lighting: Just like in the movies, the lighting in your kitchen is everything. But it is more than switching out a light fixture, and there needs to be consistency in the light bulbs as well. Especially because nowadays there are many different options. No matter what style you decide to go with, you will notice a difference. 

Painting the Kitchen: This is one of the most inexpensive ways that you can update your kitchen with. And it can take as little as one day to do. Doing a quick search on the internet or going to a home improvement store will provide you with some great ideas. Just keep in mind that there are a variety of paints to pick from, and you want to choose the right one for your space. Whether it is a glossy, semi-gloss, or a matte finish, make sure that you make the right decision for you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Lotz of Logic

While it might look small, the list above is a great thing to have. Because honestly, they are massive upgrades that you can do over a year or three to four years. It all depends on time and budget. But before you know it, you will have a brand new kitchen in your home. And sometimes doing a DIY renovation in small manageable chunks like that works great. Especially if you have limited time and are on a more modest budget because it is time manageable and cost-effective. No matter what you use your kitchen space for, make sure that you follow these 9 ways to upgrade your kitchen. 

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate of 9 ways to upgrade your kitchen, give me a call. My team and I have been serving Plainfield, Naperville, Lisle, Shorewood, Joliet, Oswego, Yorkville, and all of the Chicago areas for 30+ years.

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Countertop Edge Profiles

Who knew that the countertops in your kitchen could be so complex? Especially because it is an easy process now. You don’t want to get lazy and pick a standard edge profile. There are numerous countertop edge profiles to choose from. 

 

Countertop Edge Profiles

Because of how easy the process to replace countertops are. It is important to know what types of countertop edges there are. Especially since the countertop edge helps to define your kitchen as well as give everything a finishing touch. Since quartz is such a good product to use there are seven common countertop edge profiles that you can get it in.

  • Waterfall Edge
  • Marine Edge
  • Cascade Edge
  • Bryn Edge
  • Squared Edge
  • Summit Edge
  • Double-Eased Edge

Waterfall and Marine Edges

The waterfall edge is the most beautiful and popular style because it uses a standard square edge. While some companies have different names for this edge, the style stays the same. This edge has a flat surface for the top and the sides extend down all the way to the floor. Because of how popular this style is and how easy it is to install. It makes it a great choice for island countertops because of its minimal and sleek look. The waterfall edge is a great option that adds a simple, clean aesthetic to any home.

The marine edge is different from the waterfall edge. In the way that the edges look like they have been rolled up and down the side of the counter. Which is great in the event that you spill liquid on the top. Because the liquid will stay on top and won’t drip over the edge of the counter. So the marine edge works great for anyone with small children who often spill their cups on the counter. And it is a great and functional option for anyone who is looking for one. 

Cascade and Bryn Edges

Cascade edges are a stunning ornamental edge that can be rather pricey. But if you only put it on the island in your kitchen then it’s a great option to use. A typical countertop is about 3 centimeters thick. But a cascade edge takes several 2-centimeter pieces and places them together with a beautiful quartz edge around it. This edge provides a classy and unique look for any kitchen. 

Bryn edges is a great option that varies from the typical thickness of countertops. This edge is two or three pieces of 2-centimeter quartz sandwiched together, with a tool edge run across it. By using this edge it adds structure and definition to the kitchen as well as giving an elegant design.

Squared and Summit Edges

Squared edges are another unique option that also varies from your typical countertop thickness. All of the edges are mitered when using a square edge. This means that the edges use two slabs of material cut at a 45-degree angle. They are then arranged together to create a seamless look. The squared edge is often made to bring in more depth and solidity to the kitchen island. And this edge is often great for homes with farm-style designs, industrial looks, or modern American. It looks amazing and brings the kitchen together as a whole. 

Using a bullnose edge, the summit edge adds some softness to the corners of your kitchen island. A summit edge has a similar top and bottom radius, and it is very similar to a bullnose edge on stair treads. This countertop edge is another common and classic option that is the perfect way to remodel your kitchen island. 

Double-Eased Edge

This type of edge is a very popular and common style for kitchen islands. The Double-Eased edge is a very traditional style that is quite solid. It requires you to have a supportive island structure for the countertop. This countertop edge is easy to clean and timeless in many ways. And the double-eased edge is used in many homes across the country. It also looks great with end caps on your island as well.

Lotz of Logic

There are many great ways to remodel your kitchen. Because of how easy it is to replace your current countertop with a nice piece of quartz. So selecting the best countertop edge profile for your kitchen is the perfect way to go. Especially because of how many there are to choose from. And you want to make sure that the kitchen sink works well with the countertops. It is also important to keep these 9 ways to upgrade your kitchen in mind when you are getting started.

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on countertop edge profiles, give me a call. My team and I have been serving Orland Park, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Lemont, Orland Hills, Palos Park, St John IN, and all of the Chicago area for 30+ years.

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