Month: October 2018

One of the most frustrating things in any home is having a claustrophobic kitchen space. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate cramped kitchens and transform it into a cleaner and more usable space.

If you’re in the Rhode Island area and looking for help with kitchen or flooring design and material options, give the team at Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center a call or drop by today. We’d love to help.

In the meantime, consider the following options to transform your claustrophobic kitchen into an inviting and usable space.

FOLD DOWN TABLES

If you have a small kitchen, instead of crowding it with an island or a regular kitchen table, invest in a wall mounted, fold down table. Fold down tables are great for a food prep surface and can also be used to replace your normal dinner table. These allow you to fold the surface right back into the wall resulting in a cleaner and more uncluttered kitchen.

2 TIERED DRAWERS

Make the most of your drawer space by installing 2 tiered slidable drawers! More often than not, you’ll find yourself sticking those long utensils in a vase around your kitchen because you just don’t have an extra drawer. Well now, you don’t need an extra drawer; just a slidable drawer shelf!

PEGBOARDS

A cramped kitchen doesn’t always mean a small one; sometimes we simply run out of storage space for those extra pots and pans. Because of this, those pots and pans just end up staying on the top of your stove making your kitchen seemed cluttered and more closed in. To avoid this, install a pegboard on your kitchen wall and use that to hang those pots and pans that otherwise would not have a home.

MAGNETIC SPICE RACK

Perhaps one of the most creative ideas to transform your kitchen into useable space is to use your refrigerator as a magnet for your spices. Getting rid of that old spinning spice rack that is taking up precious counter space and instead, utilize that empty side of your fridge!

SINK STORAGE

Nobody really knows why cabinet designers make drawers that don’t actually open, but you don’t have to keep it that way! Take the drawer below your sink that is plastered shut and turn it into a pull-down drawer for extra sink storage! This is where you can hide all of those sponges and scrub brushes and cramp up your counter.

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JUNK DRAWERS ARE YOUR FRIEND

You know that drawer that has all of those little extra miscellaneous things like lighters, matches, pens, and hair ties? Keep it! One of the best ways to un-cramp your kitchen is merely to declutter it. Instead of having all those little extras lying around the countertop and falling on the floor, throw them in a junk drawer and keep them out of sight!

INSERT A STORAGE RAIL

Chances are, your backsplash is completely empty. So, why not use that space for extra storage? Storage rails are a great accessory that allows you to hang kitchen towels, mugs, and anything else that would otherwise cramp up your kitchen.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Cramped kitchens can be a real drag, making even the simplest of cooking chores a real and literal pain. If you’re interested in kitchen design and remodeling options to improve your workable space, give the team at Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center in Rhode Island a call today.

There are a lot of factors that go into remodeling a kitchen in Rhode Island. Aside from how it will look, you’ll need to consider other aspects like functionality, storage, and more.

Of course, it’s fun to pick out a color scheme and style, but overlooking important questions before getting started could end up being a huge hassle in the long run.

To help you avoid a major headache (and possibly expenses), ask yourself these 5 questions before you start your next kitchen remodeling project…

WHAT DO I MAINLY USE MY KITCHEN FOR?

The main use of a kitchen is obvious, from grandma’s cookies to daily dinners. But you may also use it for other things as well. For example, if you use your kitchen as a hangout area or for company entertainment, you may want a space that is completely open and visible from other rooms in your Rhode Island home.

Enlarging the entrance and eliminating a door will create a more welcoming and friendly environment. However, if you mainly use your kitchen to cook and clean up, you will want to consider a more private and closed off room that can’t be seen from surrounding areas.

HOW MUCH STORAGE SPACE DO I NEED?

If you’re the type of person that likes clean, uncluttered countertops, then you may want to choose drawers that have a sliding 2 tiered option and tall, wall height cabinets. If you don’t mind having everyday appliances living on your countertop for easy access, then you may be able to skip the island and free up some walking space.

WHAT STYLE DO I WANT MY KITCHEN TO BE?

There are tons of different styles and themes that you can choose when remodeling your kitchen. But, your kitchen could end up looking like a chaotic mess if you don’t plan ahead. For example, if you prefer a modern kitchen, then you’re going to want to make sure that you choose high tech appliances and shiny, solid colored countertops.

If you prefer more of a contemporary style, then chances are that your kitchen is used for comfort. Contemporary kitchens tend to have more seating areas and a bigger kitchen table for family-friendly meals.

HOW MUCH DO I COOK?

If you are an avid chef, then chances are you need appliances and utensils that are easily accessible. If this is the case, then getting creative with visual storage is necessary. For example, implementing a peg board to hang pots, pans, and large utensils will eliminate your need for extra storage space. If you do cook a lot and your kitchen happens to be on the smaller side, you are probably going to want a fold-down table option for an extra prep surface.

HOW BIG IS MY KITCHEN?

If you happen to have a big kitchen, then you generally won’t have to worry about dark colors or bright lightening. On the other hand, if your kitchen is relatively small, then you’re going to want to consider options that make your kitchen appear bigger.

For example, neutral color schemes, extra lighting, and furniture that maximizes the amount of walking space you have.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Starting a kitchen remodel is an exciting prospect. But before diving in elbow deep, you’ll want to ask yourself some key questions outlined in this article. The answers of which will help you formulate a plan forward that will help result in the perfect outcome.

If you’re unsure of where to start, need advice, or contractors and designers that care about your project as much as you do, give the team at Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center a call today. Our local Rhode Island kitchen remodeling professionals are ready to help!

It’s that time, again. Your kitchen is looking like it has been around since the early 1980s, and you are over it. From outdated cabinets and hardware, to dulled paint and inconvenient layouts, it’s time to consider your next move.

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But what exactly is the right move to make? Where is the best place to start and are there aspects you can consider early on in the planning process that might save you big later on?

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This short guide will help you quick start your kitchen remodel and get your wheels spinning with ideas that fit your style, budget and functional needs…

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Budget Your Plans

Budget for everything.

 

After you’ve budgeted for all the obvious costs, budget for the unexpected. Because as all of us who have gone through remodels and renovations know….nothing ever goes 100% according to plan. And when things go “off the reservation”, that typically means bigger associated costs.

 

By tucking away a little extra, you will be prepared for whatever unexpected costs come along.

 

The Devil Truly is in the Details as they Say

Know exactly what you want from the remodel/update.

 

Pick out your design choices and be decisive before the work begins. If something isn’t decided beforehand, it will have to be dealt with during the remodel. This can cause extra costs and a delay in completion. The last thing you want is to be the bottleneck in your own renovation.

 

Find a Trustworthy Contractor

It’s tempting to go with the lowest bidder or attempt to do the remodel yourself, but this can end up costing you more in the long run. You want to make sure that you’re employing a trustworthy professional, while not getting overcharged.

 

You don’t need to go with the highest bid, but bear in mind you often do get what you pay for. Find a reliable contractor with reasonable “middle of the road” rates that come recommended or has high ratings and a track record of successful kitchen updates under their belt.

 

Questions to Ask Before Beginning

There are a few important questions to consider before beginning your remodel:

 

1. What needs to be updated?
2. What issues need to be solved?
3. What kind of space do you need in your kitchen?
4. What theme will be a timeless influence in your house?
5. What are the most important aspects of a kitchen to you?

 

By answering these questions, you can determine what areas need to be a focal point of your remodel.

 

Preparing Your Old Kitchen

Before the remodel starts, there are a few steps you must take to prepare your kitchen:

 

• Turn off your electric, water, and gas
• Rent a dumpster for trash
• Remove all appliances and empty all cabinets
• Cover your floors with a drop cloth.

 

Once this has all been taken care of, your kitchen is ready for demolition.

 

Other Factors to Consider

Everyone loves new cabinets and a shiny countertop, but there is more to a remodel than that! It is important to update the following:

 

• Your cabinets’ inner structures
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Lighting
• Walls
• Flooring

 

This is your opportunity to get as much done as possible at the same time. Remember to stay within budget but remember that it will be cheaper to do while you are already in there.

 

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork

At Northeast Kitchen and Flooring, we will help you design the perfect kitchen remodel. Our expert designers know just the right products for your kitchen, and we can make suggestions to help you stay on budget.

 

Designing a kitchen remodel can be a fun experience, and the final product is amazing. Let’s work together to design the perfect kitchen for your life!