7 Features Of A Well-Designed Kitchen

well-designed kitchen is a perfect combination of form and function that will give you many years of enjoying its visual style and meal preparation. From a form standpoint, all the different components of your kitchen need to work well together.

From a functional standpoint, your kitchen needs to allow for easy maneuvering, to provide the practicality you require, and to feature ample storage space for your cookware and supplies. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Johnston, RI, pay attention to both aspects of your kitchen.

What features should a kitchen have?

If you’re looking to create a truly functional and modern kitchen, you need to begin the process by thinking about for what purposes you will use your kitchen. This information will allow you to craft a custom solution that will meet your specific requirements and unique needs. There are some aspects every kitchen should incorporate to ensure good design, modern look, and maximum functionality and practicality across seven key areas:

modern kitchen 2023

Storage plan

One secret to designing a great kitchen is to develop a storage plan that addresses how often you cook, entertain and hold gatherings. First, assess what currently exists in your kitchen. Inventory your cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, storage containers, cutlery, knives, utensils, gadgets and countertop appliances and estimate the frequency of use.

Identifying the most-used items in a kitchen empowers your kitchen designers to create custom plans that make kitchens function so much more effectively. Purge items that you never use.

Space permitting, things that are used infrequently or even as little as once a year (the large roasting pan for Thanksgiving turkey) can be relegated to upper cabinets or other rooms in the home thus opening up prime real estate for the most frequently accessed utensils and equipment.

Countertops

A second key to a well-designed kitchen is to invest in high-quality, high-performing, statement-making countertops. Not only are countertops relied upon for meal preparation, but they are also used for cooking, eating, entertaining, doing homework, charging electronics, reading, relaxing and spending quality time together with family and friends. Countertops serve practical and aesthetic functions that can make or break a new kitchen.

Lighting

Lighting significantly impacts the way your kitchen looks and feels. Lighting is as important as faucets, flooring, sinks, backsplashes, appliances, and countertops. Layering your lighting contributes to both the functionality of the kitchen as well as its style.

Appliances

Appliances should reflect how you will use the kitchen. If you entertain frequently, you may want double ovens, a large refrigerator and even two dishwashers. If space is at a premium, compact appliances can save space and improve functionality.

Backsplash

Backsplashes are another component of a well-designed kitchen because not only do they serve as a focal point of any kitchen, but they also represent one of the few opportunities for homeowners to express their originality and personality. There are countless options.

Finding the perfect backsplash can genuinely define a space and add real beauty to a kitchen. Functionally,  a stone, quartz or tile backsplash is much easier to clean than painted surfaces or wallpaper when food bits and grease splatter on the wall.

Details

The details are essential in a well-designed kitchen. The kitchen faucet is the most used appliance in a home. That’s why we often advise our clients to invest in high-quality, high-performing plumbing fixtures.

You also need to pay attention to cabinet hardware as it serves as the jewelry for your cabinets. Be sure to appropriately accessorize your kitchen with functional and convenient equipment such as waste disposers, filtered water, soap dispensers and instant hot and cold faucets.

Floor covering

A final element of a well-designed kitchen is floor covering. The key is to incorporate floor covering material into the rest of the design and create a coherent whole with the rest of your kitchen.

kitchen update 2023

Who performs expertise-based kitchen remodels in Johnston, RI?

If you are interested in building a genuinely exceptional kitchen in Rhode Island that makes you the envy of the neighborhood, see what Northeast Kitchen Remodel & Design Build has to offer. You can give our showroom a call at (401) 257-6610 or visit us at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI. We’ll help you create the kitchen of your dreams and give you all the functionality and style you need.

The “Darkside” To White Kitchen Cabinets

We’ve all seen those HGTV shows where the wife has a dream of an all-white kitchen complete with white custom cabinets. But before you decide to go down this route with your next kitchen remodel, there are a few things to take into consideration.

 

There is, in fact, a “dark side” to this popular design decision. So before you pin those kitchen remodeling ideas to your Pinterest Board, consider the advice in this guide and then reevaluate if you’re still as excited as you were before you started.

 

And when you’re ready to start exploring your options, Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center in Rhode Island is your one-stop shop for your dream white semi-custom cabinets.

 

Hospital Vibes

 

White cabinetry can make your kitchen feel light, airy, and open. But sometimes, rather than a clean and crisp feel, your kitchen can feel sterile, cold and uninviting. Too much white can remind your dinner guests of a creepy hospital room rather than the warm epicenter of your home. This type of ambiance can also detract from the delicious food you prepared or the scintillating conversation you are likely to have.

 

As such, consider accentuating colors and accents such as countertops, flooring, accessories/hardware and more that can make your custom white cabinets “pop”.

 

Maintenance / Upkeep

 

It is important to remember that bright and all-white cabinetry is more likely to show smudging and scratches, making them displeasing to the eye and harder to keep looking shiny and new.

 

Consider how much extra cleaning and upkeep you’re willing to put up with for your “white wonderland”. Be practical, as always. This is an investment, after all.

 

Discoloration

 

In addition to scratches and smudges being more visible, discoloration is another negative factor to consider. Generally, high-quality custom kitchen cabinets, such as those from Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center in Rhode Island, are not prone to discoloration on their own.

 

Discoloration, however, can occur when spills aren’t cleaned up in time or your cabinetry is exposed to direct sunlight or other elements such as smoke from cigarettes.

 

A way to offset or eliminate these negative aspects is to clean any spills or stains immediately, or rather than choosing a pure/bright white color, an off-white alternative may help prevent fading and keep the cabinets from looking worn over time.

 

Wear and Tear

 

As stated before, it is important to remain practical and conscious of your design options. The lifespan of your cabinets can, and frequently is, directly related to the upkeep you put into them, as well as the quality of the custom cabinetry you invest in to begin with.

 

If you choose cheaper cabinets out of desperation or budgetary constraints, it could (and likely will) result in your cabinets aging less gracefully a possibly surrendering to wear and tear over time. However, when installed efficiently and by knowledgeable individuals, white cabinets can and do last a lifetime. Just be smart and willing to invest wisely.

 

You Have Made A Decision… Now What?

 

So, you’ve done the research, crunched all the numbers, and Pinterest has been your home away from home. You’re sold on your white cabinets and you aren’t turning back.

 

Now it’s time to call up the team at Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center for custom cabinetry options that are sure to impress.

What To Look For When Buying Kitchen Cabinets In RI

When starting a kitchen remodel for your Rhode Island home, the cabinets are often one of the first things to go. Old or cheap kitchen cabinets can have broken drawers, moldy shelves, and chipping coats of paint. The appearance and functionality of your kitchen largely depends on your countertops and storage, making proper cabinets a functional and aesthetic necessity.

However, it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for when buying new kitchen cabinets. While many factors depend on your personal preferences, budget, and how much space you have, there are a few factors other you should consider.

Consider the following tips when buying updated cabinetry for your Rhode Island home. And if you’re still on the fence, or want to view a wide selection of high-quality affordable options, contact or drop by Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center today!

What is within your price range?

There are three different price ranges when ordering pre-made cabinets. Stock, mid-level, and custom. While mid-level cabinets can vary wildly in price, they usually cost as much as custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets can be bought easily, and offer a budget option for buyers. Mid-level can vary in quality, but are usually a sound option for those with a larger budget. Custom cabinets offer luxury materials and extra features, but they can run for higher prices.

Check for features.

Specialty features can bump the price up significantly, but they can save space in your kitchen and make organization easier. Pull-out trash cans, adjustable counter space, roll-out drawers, and spice organizers are all sought-after features.

If you’re starting a kitchen remodel in your own home, you might have personal preferences regarding which features are included. Otherwise, these features will be selling points for potential buyers or renters.

Do the cabinets use dovetail joinery

The quality and construction of the cabinets is arguably the most important factor to consider. Regardless of how useful a cabinet may seem, if it isn’t assembled correctly, it’s added functionality will be useless.

While dovetail joinery used to be the hallmark feature of expensive cabinets, cheaper manufacturers have started using it to mimic high-end brands. However, cabinets using dovetail joinery tend to be more well-made overall.

What materials are being used?

Material matters, especially when starting a kitchen remodel. Ceramic tile will always last longer than laminated floors, and actual wood will always be preferable over particleboard. Before buying any cabinet set, make sure to inspect the materials and check the construction. If a cabinet seems unstable or hastily made, consider looking at a different set.

While going for cheap cabinets might seem appealing, you might be replacing them in a few years time. It’s better to go with well-made cabinetry that uses proper materials.

Closing Thoughts

Updating or buying new kitchen cabinets is a big undertaking, and often represents a significant investment into your Rhode Island home.

In the end, your decision will largely depend on how much you’re willing to spend, what options are available, and your personal preferences. However, all well-made cabinets should use sturdy materials, have additional features, and use dovetail joinery.

If you’re not sure how to begin looking for cabinets, the friendly team at Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center can help you find well-made cabinetry that fits both your style and budget. Stop by or contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Technology For The Kitchen

We are surrounded by technology at work, in our cars and pockets and just about every aspect of our lives, including the kitchen.

Many of our clients want to take advantage of technological advancements explicitly developed for the kitchen as part of their remodel. We see personal home assistants and dedicated kitchen tablets trending upward in this arena. According to the 2019 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 11 percent of homeowners are upgrading electronics as part of their kitchen remodel. The percentage of homeowners incorporating a personal home assistant such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa increased from 23 percent to 31 percent from 2017 to 2018. Dedicated kitchen tablets rose to 17 percent from 11 percent during the same period.

The most popular electronic upgrade for kitchens remains the television. Sixty percent of remodels included a TV in their new kitchens. Nearly half of kitchen remodels featured a docking or charging station. Manufacturers have upped their game when it comes to charging stations, incorporating them into drawers, in electrical switch plates and popping up from countertops. The ability to charge smartphones and tablets within a drawer helps to avoid countertop clutter and maintain clean lines.

Wireless or Bluetooth speakers were specified for 29 percent of new kitchens, according to the Houzz survey. That percentage actually decreased from the year before at 38 percent.

Kitchen faucets also are becoming technologically more sophisticated with features such as hands-free and touch operation, improved water efficiency, water filtration capability, Bluetooth applications and no-fingerprint finishes.

Refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens and dishwashers are offering technological conveniences ranging from the ability to order groceries via Alexa and other personal assistants to blue tooth connectivity that allows homeowners to preheat an oven on their commute home via their smartphone. The Houzz survey found that 16 percent of homeowners upgraded appliances as part of their kitchen remodel and 11 percent picked appliances with color touchscreen displays. These displays offer a mind-boggling array of features. You can watch videos on YouTube, make video calls and use the touchscreen to control smart home devices through voice activation or touch screen and even search local restaurants. You can play music or watch a video while you cook and Google will save your place so you can check the recipe at any time. There are even displays that show you how to divide cakes into perfect portions for slicing.

What’s the right technology for your new kitchen? Give us a call at (401) 257-6610 or visit our showroom at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI to determine how you can use emerging technology in your new kitchen to make your life easier, less stressful and more enjoyable.

What’s Trending Now And What’s Expected For 2019

For the first time in many years, more homeowners are electing to stay in their existing homes and opting to improve their existing space, instead of moving. The motivation to improve existing space is to make it more beautiful and functional and to make necessary changes that allow for aging in place gracefully. Some of the trends that are expected to continue into 2019 are larger, barrier-free showers and more clearance space in bathrooms and kitchens. Some other major kitchen trends include:

  • Home technology – voice activated functionality and integration with Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa, among others – to connect and operate showers, vanities, refrigerators, lighting, thermostats and ovens.
  • Appliances are not only becoming more beautiful, they also are becoming more functional:
  • Combination refrigerators that offer safe food and wine storage.
  • Smaller, more compact dishwashers that use fan-assisted drying thereby eliminating the need for towel drying and third racks that allow for more cleaning capacity.
  • Manufacturer apps that connect dishwashers to smart devices that allow users to monitor and adjust settings and create custom wash cycles.
  • Customization capabilities for plumbing fixtures. Homeowners now can specify custom colors and materials for their kitchen sinks and faucets.
  • Touch and hands-free faucets with special spray devices for rinsing dishes and setting water spray volume on demand.
  • Faucet finishes in rose gold, warm brass and matte black.
  • Engineered quartz has become the most popular countertop material, especially in urban and suburban areas.
  • Blue continues to gain popularity for cabinets and color schemes in kitchens.
  • Appliance garages and shallow shelves are expected to continue to gain in popularity.
  • Mixed wood tones will also increase in demand as homeowners increasingly recognize that mixing different tones and textures allows for a unique, custom look.
  • The natural organic look paired with splashes of accent and backsplash color is a direction many designers and homeowners opt for.
  • High gloss surfaces’ popularity will continue to wane.

If you want to know what’s on trend for the coming year for your new kitchen, please call us at (401) 257-6610 or visit our showroom at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: 5 Questions To Ask Before Your Next Project

Ah, your kitchen, the heart of your home. The place where your family gathers for end of day meals, and recharges with morning coffee for the day ahead.

But wait! What happens when your kitchen is feeling drab and leaving you uninspired? What if you and your family have outgrown the space or function of your current setup?

If any of the above sound familiar, a kitchen remodel might be in your future.

Whether you’re simply looking for fresh and exciting kitchen remodeling ideas and inspiration, or if you’re ready to plunge headfirst into your next big kitchen remodel, Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center in Rhode Island is here to guide you.

This brief, but informative guide, will walk you through the five key questions you need to ask yourself when vetting out potential kitchen remodeling ideas for your Rhode Island home.

 

1. First, Are You Leaving or Nesting?

Your first big question, and one you really need to be honest with yourself about, is this:

Are you staying or going? And not just right now, but what about in 1, 3, or even 5 years from now.

A kitchen remodel can cause a big upset to your daily life, while simultaneously being one of the biggest, yet potentially most rewarding investments you’ll make into your home.

As such, it is important to be mindful of your intentions, budget, and aspects which you choose to update. For example, if this is your “forever home”, then focus on personal style, and the needs of your family both now and in the future.

On the other hand, if your intent is to sell, no or in a few years, consider what options will still be in style, functional and useful for the type of buyers your home will likely attract. Doing so can ensure you get the most use or ROI out of your investment.

 

2. Is Your Cabinetry Cheap?

Cheap cabinetry does not an aesthetically pleasing or functional kitchen make. Cabinets are the cornerstone and foundational component of your kitchen.

They set the tone for any kitchen, which is why it is wise to invest in good, durable cabinets. No one wants cheap cabinets to end up being the downfall of a potential sale, or that end up chipping or falling apart a few years down the road.

Consider custom cabinets built to perfection and tailored for your specific needs, design and layout. Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center specializes in semi-custom cabinets, and can answer any questions you might have about finding that perfect set.

 

3. Do You Really Need Stainless Steel Everything?

Sure, stainless steel is “in” and yes, a vast majority of kitchens have them… but is it really a need? Just as much as cabinets, your appliances are also an investment that won’t come cheap. However, consider how much time you will be spending in your kitchen or how much use your appliances will get. Are you an aspiring five-star chef or a microwave ninja with a propensity for pizza and anything in the frozen food aisle? Be honest and remain practical.

 

4. Is Your Contractor Your “Right-hand” Man?

This is perhaps the biggest detail not to forget. Simply put: Do your research. Your contractor can make or break your next kitchen remodel. From kitchen remodeling ideas big or small, to simple or complex, the right ideas mean nothing without a trusted and qualified contractor to put them into motion, getting the job done right, on time and on budget.

 

5. And Finally… Is Your Kitchen Functional?

Seems obvious, right? Sure is, but sometimes our design ideas get the best of us and we lose sight of actual use and utility. The team at Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center can help you find that perfect balance between form and function. Call us today for advice from professionals that care about your Rhode Island home as much as you do.

 

Put those Kitchen Remodeling Ideas into Action!

Be practical, be mindful, and be smart, must most of all, don’t let idea overload prevent you from taking action. And don’t forget, your local Rhode Island professionals at Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center are here to help you find the perfect cabinetry for your new design.

Partnerships That Work For You!

When you watch a home improvement show on HGTV, DIY or another network, there’s a good chance that you will not obtain a true sense of what is involved in the renovation process, and it is all but guaranteed that the pricing and timelines that you see will create false expectations. While a great source of ideas and creative possibilities, home improvement television is first and foremost entertainment, as opposed to a documentary, and it does not reflect the real world. The ability to establish realistic budget and timeline expectations are valuable services that you can expect from partnering with a professional designer and showroom. Regardless of your budget and scope, we have the experience, expertise and passion for making your dreams a reality.

Many of our clients decide to renovate their kitchen simply because their space no longer meets their goals, lifestyle or needs. A fundamental requirement of a well-designed kitchen is the work triangle. The National Kitchen and Bath Association defines the work triangle as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink to the center of the cooktop to center of the refrigerator and back to the sink. The goal of the triangle is to make the kitchen functional and efficient by keeping all of the workstations close while avoiding the possibility of the kitchen becoming cramped.

There is no doubt that a qualified contractor can install a new kitchen, and handy homeowners can assist with demolition, installation and product selection. However, if the design and aesthetics are important to you, you will be best served by partnering with a professional whose job it is to know the latest trends, technological innovations and product offerings that will meet your needs. Professional designers and showrooms specialize in what’s on trend and have the experience and knowledge to recommend fixtures, finishes and accessories that many contractors and even the savviest homeowners don’t come across.

Improving the efficiency and pleasure that your kitchen can bring is only one reason that many of our clients decide on a renovation. Another influencing factor is more practical. The kitchen is the most important room in the home, and a remodeled kitchen creates value and makes your home more saleable.

Working with a professional designer also helps to eliminate guesswork. We produce realistic schematics that show what you what the new kitchen will look like before you have to commit. The ability to visualize the finished project before starting construction not only gives you a realistic expectation of what your kitchen will look like, it also helps to eliminate delays, change orders and unnecessary expenses.

Working with a professional designer and showroom takes on added significance and value if your home is older or historical. Bringing the new kitchen up to code, maintaining the historic look and feel and specifying the elements and details that match the rest of the home’s décor require special expertise.

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Today, manufacturers continue to raise the bar for storage solutions that range from plug and play drawer organizers and pull out pantries, to pull down spice racks and everything in between.

If your kitchen is cramped and awkward to entertain in, that’s even more reason to turn to a professional. We can make smaller spaces not only look and feel larger, but we also have the expertise to make the area more functional.

Kitchen designer expertise is not limited to kitchens. Baths and laundry rooms share certain commonalities with kitchens such as the need for cabinets, storage, plumbing, lighting, wall coverings, floor coverings and a balance of aesthetics and functionality. That’s why a number of our clients tap our expertise for laundry room and bath renovations as well.

If you are dreaming of a stunning new kitchen complete with chef-worthy appliances, cabinets that will make you the envy of the neighborhood and a space that welcomes friends and family with open arms, give our showroom a call at (401) 257-6610 or visit our showroom at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI. Let us show you how we can turn your dreams into reality.

Building Out Or Building Up

If you are living with a smaller, less than functional kitchen, there are solutions that can help you make your dreams a reality. It is possible to create additional space and transform your kitchen from a small, cramped and hard-to-use to flawless and functional – a new kitchen will bring you and your family years of joy.

We’ve worked on hundreds of kitchen additions and understand that the process is more involved than simply redoing an existing footprint. Our showroom professionals can work with you to create a plan that complements the style of your home and enables you to make a personal and distinct design statement.

Small changes can have a dramatically large impact. The amount of additional space that you may need and want is affected by the current layout of your home and your budget. Often, we can help our clients achieve their goals by adding 125 to 150 square feet of new space. In other projects, the scope of the addition is considerably larger. For larger additions, factors to consider include the existing layout of your home, code requirements, topography, setbacks and permit requirements. Larger additions take longer and cost more, but the investment provides a considerable return in increased home value.

If you are interested in adding new space by building out and/or up, make sure that your design professional creates a realistic timeline and budget so there are realistic expectations on both accounts. An addition budget is affected by:

  • Structural components, e.g. if you have to replace a load bearing wall or add structural support.
  • The quality of materials selected.
  • Size of the project.
  • Scope of the project.

The timeline also is affected by the similar factors. Adding a second story can take longer than elongating an existing room on one level. Permitting and zoning requirements can also affect construction scheduling and planning.

Finding the designer that is right for your project involves carefully checking references and asking the right questions. These may include:

  • What is the showroom’s record of completing projects on time and within budget?
  • How do the designer and showroom create realistic expectations?
  • How do the designer and showroom respond to problems and unforeseen conditions?
  • How do the designer and showroom make the renovation process run smoothly?
  • How creative are the designer and showroom to make space extraordinary?

There’s no better time to assess your existing kitchen than now. Make a list of everything that your dream kitchen would include and how those changes would add value and enjoyment to you and your family. Prioritize your top goals and determine how achieving them would impact your budget. If you need help with the budgeting process or prioritizing goals or imagining the kitchen of your dreams, give us a call at (401) 257-6610 or visit our showroom at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI.