Don’t Allow Your Sink to “Sink” Your Kitchen

The truth is that a sink, or the type of sink, is a much-overlooked component of kitchen enjoyment. Most homeowners will put up with an outdated sink or one that is old and worn while focusing on the other aspects of a kitchen remodel.

A proper sink that serves each homeowner’s needs, and the aesthetic is crucial in making a remodel a great success. There are many styles of sinks and just as many uses and preferences by homeowners. We will dive in here and explain types and uses to educate about this much-used component of a kitchen.

Especially during the winter months, with a lot of individuals spending more time at home, kitchen sinks take a “workout.”

Types of sinks in a nutshell:

1. Single bowl sinks

These speak for themselves as they are one deep bowl. The advantages are that a great deal of washing of dishes and storing dirty dishes can be done with this type. However, there is no divider, so a dish drainer or other storage area for washed dishes is necessary.

Farmhouse sinks are generally one bowl, but some are two bowls. They can be built in such a way that they meld into the cabinetry. These are great for individuals who use large pots and pans while cooking and want an aesthetic that is more cozy looking.

2. Double bowl sinks

These are a top choice for families who are seeking to save space and time, as one side is used for the dirty dishes, and the other side can be used for storage of rinsed dishes before these are put into the dishwasher or dried. This is a quick and easy solution to quickly wash dishes without having another spot to stack the washed dishes.

3. Drainboard sinks

These are catching on in popularity as they combine the capacity of single-bowl sinks with the drainage capacity and storage of double-bowl ones. The name speaks for itself as the drainboard is built into the sink rather than having to purchase one. Functionality here is the paramount feature of this type and can be matched to any aesthetic.

4. Island or prep sinks

Serious cooks love these and hence also are rising in popularity. Just as a kitchen island is used for eating and socializing, these “island/prep” sinks are standalone, and add prep space, storage, and are eye-catching as well. Of course, an island must be constructed, and plumbing may need to be extended during installation.

No matter what the choice of sink, size matters, as does usage and aesthetics.

A consultation with a kitchen remodeling expert is necessary as ALL sinks must address the existing plumbing as well as the capacity to address the installation of new plumbing.

Quick Yet Luxurious Shower Installations

The holiday season has begun with winter weather nipping at us even indoors. We discussed luxury spa bathtubs/jacuzzis in a previous post, but this is not doable for everyone without sufficient space, time, or money.

 

This does not mean that a homeowner must do without the luxury of a spa feeling as showers themselves can be remodeled quickly, even sometimes within one day, and be made to feel luxurious.

 

The possibilities are actually boundless, and many homeowners in the past two years have relinquished bathtubs altogether in favor of shower-only bathrooms. 

 

This saves space and adds to accessibility for older adults. Showers save money on water as well and are used frequently by many homeowners who do not feel the need to soak to relax.

 

Low-flow showers are especially eco-friendly and can include water purification systems, as well as digitally created controls, which make them easy to adjust and control. With technology on the rise, voice-controlled showers are now possible, and of course, recyclable materials are used.

 

Swivel heads with long arms make showering easier than ever, as bodily nooks and crannies can be reached without straining and stretching. Shelving inside the showers cuts back on bodily movements, too, and relieves the need to keep reaching outside the shower for toiletries.

 

Most showers now come enclosed, keeping the water inside sans shower curtains, and there are easy-access door-style showers now that are quick and affordable to install.

 

Preparation is key to quick installation, as the old shower is removed, plumbing is checked, and any cracks or crevices in adjacent walls must be assessed and sealed. The base, walls of the shower, and doors must be measured so that the new shower fits correctly.

 

After installation, everything is checked again by a professional shower installer/remodeler, and the digital aspects or additional technology must be tested and taught to a homeowner.

 

While one-day installations in showers can exist, this does not mean they should be done sloppily or in too big of a hurry.

 

Experiencing luxury and convenience with a shower alone is a great way to update a bathroom, but can also be done by updating the bathtub and providing a total spa experience.

 

Find that great bathroom remodeler and see how even a shower can relax and bring enjoyment each day without costing an arm and a leg! 

 

 

                                    Spa Getaway Bathroom Remodels

The winter is upon homeowners in Southeastern PA and the greater Delaware area. Homes become chillier, and of course, holiday stress can occur.

 

Individuals still work and look forward to relaxing after a long day of employment and holiday planning. What better way to combat that than with a “spa-type” bathroom remodeling?

Getting comfy in a tub with Jacuzzi features and shelving is the perfect way to relax and forget the day’s stresses.

 

Of course, enough space is needed for a spa-type bathtub installation, and the size of the bathroom will determine how significant this addition can be or IF it can be done.

 

The type of plumbing must also be considered, and there are many styles to choose from aesthetically in this sought-after type of “mini-spa” inside a home now. These also add a great deal of market value to a home.

 

The plumbing is crucial, especially in older homes, as many have what resembles “snake-like” intertwined plumbing or plumbing that is hard to access.

 

There are many styles to choose from aesthetically in this sought-after type of “mini-spa” inside a home, now from claw foot to ultra-modern.  Spa-like tubs also add a great deal of market value to a home.

 

The plumbing assessment will include pressure inclusion, as whirlpool jets are generally powerful and are used in jacuzzi or Whirlpool tubs.

 

If a bathroom is not large enough or cannot support a full Jacuzzi or Whirlpool tub, there are options such as Air Baths, which only provide bubbles for relaxation.

 

Clawfoot tubs and deeper tubs can mimic the spa experience by enlarging the tub’s depth and using aromatherapy built in to enhance the mood in the bathroom.

 

If you are older or chilly when taking a bath, there are built-in heaters that can be used to produce extra warmth. For folks with mobility issues, there are gated tubs that allow easy in and out access.

 

If owning a very small bathroom, a simple deeper style tub, known as a Soaking Tub will do the trick of making each bath feel luxurious and relaxing.

 

During cold weather and the holiday season, changing the bathtub alone in a bathroom can lift the spirit of all homeowners, as well as contribute to feeling warm and comfortable each time anyone in a household bathes.

 

Not to mention the pleasure your “stay over” guests will experience!

 

Efficiency Tips for Smaller Kitchen Remodels

Most people enjoy as much space as they can have in their homes. However, some living spaces, such as condos and duplexes, can have limited space. Individuals are also now trending towards “tiny homes” for the efficiency of the upkeep these provide.

This does not mean that individuals who have small kitchens do not like to cook or entertain, but they do need to optimize the space with the right type of remodeling. Cabinetry and appliances make a huge difference in smaller kitchens, adding to the enjoyment of cooking and entertaining.

• Cabinet Ideas for Smaller Kitchens

Exploring cabinet styles, such as the Shaker style, have a recessed design adding to the open workspace. “Lazy Susans,” which are carousel types of cabinets, were popular in each kitchen decades ago and are making a comeback as many items can be stored on this type of revolving cabinetry addition.

Pull-out cabinets save space as well and allow homeowners to reach small appliances and other stored items without kneeling or bending to access them. Open shelves can be placed anywhere in a kitchen, and cabinets are indeed open, allowing for more space than if a door-style cabinet is installed.

Vertical types of cabinetry rather than horizontal styles can miraculously free up more space than one might expect and are installed in a “step-ladder” effect.

Of course, as a previous blog post mentioned, “appliance garages” make a huge difference in reducing countertop clutter. These “appliance garages” are built-in spaces where appliances are “parked” and are a nifty idea, especially for smaller kitchens.

• Appliance Ideas for Smaller Kitchens

Appliances take up a great deal of space in a kitchen and with a smaller kitchen space, the choice of appliances makes a big difference in workspace within a kitchen. Enter the “built-ins.”

Popular over a decade or two ago, these are making a huge comeback as homeowners switch to smaller residences, whether to downsize or simply have less work to do on a property.

From compact built-in dishwashers, which do the same job as full-sized ones, to mini-built-in refrigerators, a good kitchen remodeler will take into consideration the space and functionality.

Convection ovens, which oftentimes are included in full-sized stoves and the love of the culinary field, can be used alone without a full-sized stove and built into a cabinet or on a shelf on a countertop. Combine these with an air fryer on cabinet shelving and an actual full-sized stove may not be necessary!

Combination microwave/convection ovens are also gaining popularity for space-saving, and washer/dryer stackable combos are taking over the need for large washers and dryers.

All the above not only save space but also save energy and the environment, and many homeowners now, even with larger spaces, are jumping onto the smaller kitchen space money-saving type of remodel that is gaining traction!

 

Dropping or Raising a Kitchen or Bathroom Ceiling

There are many reasons individuals redo certain portions of their homes, but the kitchen and bathroom can be the most redone over the years, and it’s not because individuals love to spend money!

This is generally a practical choice. New homeowners who are younger yet want a more spacious look in their homes tend to want higher ceilings, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where most of their time is spent.

If younger individuals fall in love with an older home, however, the ceilings may be lower and they will see a good kitchen and bathroom remodeler to raise these.

They might eventually raise the ceilings in the entire home, but the kitchen and bathroom being focal points for gatherings of friends and families can be a prevalent concern if they are not filled with light and space. It’s an aesthetic choice for younger home buyers.

 Raising a ceiling is more expensive than dropping one, although both projects depend upon the structure of a property and need a highly skilled bathroom and kitchen remodeller.

On the opposite end of the spectrum can be homeowners who are aging and find that the ceilings and the ceiling lights are now too high to reach safely. This can lead to falls, and therefore, for safety reasons, a “dropped ceiling” is requested.

The dropping of a ceiling, on the other hand, is usually for safety’s sake, as older homeowners prefer now to “age in place,” and dropping a kitchen or bathroom ceiling may make that more plausible.

In either case, all homeowners must remember that raising or dropping a ceiling will result in the cabinets, ceiling tiles, and any other installed spaces within the kitchen or bathroom needing to be replaced or repositioned as well.

Ceiling raising or dropping is not without its pitfalls, and a licensed and insured remodeller with the utmost skills should always be called for a consultation before deciding to progress with this type of project.

Damages can occur if done incorrectly, and an honest, conscientious contractor might suggest other improvements instead, such as side lighting or replacing the light fixtures and cabinets with more aesthetically pleasing or safety-related types without having to raise or lower the ceiling. This big decision takes knowledge!