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Dreaming of a Kitchen Island – Talk to a Kitchen Renovation Contractor Now!

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Dreaming of a Kitchen Island – Talk to a Kitchen Renovation Contractor Now!

Gone are the days when kitchens were merely used for cooking meals. Today’s kitchen is where new recipes get tested, the  family gathers, and friends are entertained. Your kitchen renovation contractor must design a functional kitchen not just a pretty one. And a kitchen island is a must for functionality.

The Function of the Kitchen Island

Islands can be used for several functions.  So start by deciding the job of your kitchen island. If the island is for cooking, you must include space for appliances like oven, cooktop, and necessary ventilation. If you want it for a prepping station, a large and clear surface with a prep sink and dishwasher will do. On the other hand, your island may extend the eating and seating areas in the house. 

kitchen renovation contractor leaves ample aisle space between island and appliance wall

Kitchen Renovation Contractor Tips for Island Design

 The main concern with design is space. Without enough room, the island is an obstruction that might prevent access to major work areas like sink, fridge, and cooktop. Always start by considering the existing space constraints of the kitchen before considering appliances and features. The island must be proportional to the kitchen size.  Just because you have a large space, doesn’t you should have a large kitchen island. Right size the island in your design to avoid wasting space. 

Consider the Aisle Space

To work well in the kitchen, you need easy access to counters and other work spaces. Avoid traffic jams.  Demarcate the space for the island and then measure the distance to the kitchen counters. Ideally, you should have an aisle of around 40 inches. In a small space you can go as low as 35 inches but that’s the minimum. Don’t put too much space between the counters and the island either. That requires too many steps to be efficient. 

under cabinet task lightingIncorporate Storage Space

Contemporary kitchen islands should have proper storage units and smart cabinets, so the kitchen stays neat and organized, while ensuring you have everything required within reach. The choice of shelving units and cabinets has to be determined as per the specific needs of the kitchen. If you have limited space, there are fold-away inserts and drawers with extra depth that make up for the lack of room.

Determine Your Island Surface

Popular island top materials like marble look elegant. While the island surface should match the other surfaces, it doesn’t have to be the same.

kitchen renovation contractor uses contrasting surface for island topFor example, if you are using the island for food prep, consider a butcher block top. For any easy to clean and long-lasting surface, go for stainless steel. If the island is a cooking station, opt for easy to care for surfaces like quartz and select appliances that match the rest of the kitchen.  This kitchen island surface is beautiful and beautifully contrasts with the other countertops.

 

Inspired Remodels is the Kitchen Renovator Contractor that Turns Island Dreams into Reality

When you’re ready to stop dreaming of a new island and start using one, call Inspired Remodels. Let Orange County’s finest kitchen renovation contractor design a kitchen island that is functional, beautiful and a welcome member of your home for years to come. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online today.

 

Kitchen Renovation in 2020

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen Renovation in 2020

Thinking about a kitchen renovation in 2020? Then hire the Mission Viejo kitchen renovation company you can trust to do the job right. Inspired Remodels renovates kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces and more. If you’ve got the urge for a kitchen renovation, we’ve got the skills and imagination to make it happen.

Everybody uses the kitchen. You use the kitchen every day. Guests see the kitchen every time you entertain. So, get a kitchen that is functional, comfortable, and incorporates the latest design. Start with a consultation. Then see what our experts can do.

Choose the Mission Viejo kitchen renovation company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.

Kitchen Design

A kitchen is a workroom. It provides a place to prep, prepare, and clean up after meals. Unlike other rooms, kitchens must look good and work well. Sure, you want nice counter tops, but you need adequate storage. Top rate appliances make the job easier, but good design is what makes any job easier.

Trust the kitchen renovation experts at Inspired Remodels to design a fully functional and beautiful kitchen. Islands do double duty as eating areas.

Upgraded lighting for ambiance and practical task lighting for work spaces keeps the design in focus.

kitchen renovation contractor uses island space to create eat-in kitchenHow many forms of lighting do you see in this kitchen? Look closely and you will see three. Inspired Remodels is the kitchen renovation company that fuses natural lighting with task lighting and ambient lighting so you always have just the amount of light you need. This kitchen remodel produced a room with two eating areas, prep and work areas and incorporates the perfect kitchen work triangle.

Kitchen Renovation Experts

residential remodeling contractors mashup modern and traditional in Lake Forest kitchenGet the kitchen of your dreams in 2020. Start planning now. Gather your ideas on Pinterest boards, start honing in on styles, textures, and finishes that appeal to you. Create an idea book, on your laptop, tablet or good old paper. Is French Country with a farmhouse kitchen sink your style? Are you drawn to the simplicity of modern Danish? Ask yourself if you feel at home in a Mission Viejo inspired Mediterranean vibe.

Now, call (949) 716-1938 or contact Inspired Remodels online and schedule your consultation.

DIY or Hire Kitchen Remodeling Services – Which Makes Sense for You?

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on DIY or Hire Kitchen Remodeling Services – Which Makes Sense for You?

Thinking about a new look for your kitchen in 2020? If you are handy with tools or have a flair for design, you might think about making it a DIY project. So when does it makes sense to hire a contractor for kitchen remodeling services and when should you do it yourself? Well, it depends.

                                                Installing hardware is a great DIY project

DIY Projects

Are you handy with tools and a paint brush? Try patching, sanding and painting walls yourself. Make sure all surfaces are clean before you start. In a kitchen, grease gets every where, even where you don’t suspect. Successful painting begins with careful preparation. If you can prep, you can paint. Just make sure the paint goes on the walls and not the cabinets, floors, and appliances.

If you have basic knowledge of wiring and are smart enough to cut the power before you start work, you can swap out light fixtures. Just make sure the next fixture is roughly the same size as the old fixture. Take care to make sure the light output is sufficient for the kitchen. It’s dangerous to work in a dark kitchen.

Swapping out cabinet hardware is almost child’s play. If you’ve got a screwdriver and are swapping knobs for knobs and pulls for pulls, you’ve got this one down cold. If your hardware change involves changing the type of hardware, you may need to drill additional holes or patch and stain existing holes. Avoid patching and staining. Use a drill for guide holes.

hire kitchen remodeling services for a gut and rebuild

Hiring Kitchen Remodeling Services

So when should you hire a contractor for kitchen remodeling services? Well, if major structural changes are involved it’s best to get a contractor.

Does the job require a permit and inspections? It’s a hassle, but for your protection. Hire a pro for those jobs.

If the skills required to do the job stretch your current skill set, it’s time to bring in the pros. Do you really want to hone your woodworking skills on custom cabinetry? Probably not. The risk of failure is high as well as the cost.

If a change in the mechanical systems is involved, definitely hire those kitchen remodeling services out. You don’t want to be the one moving plumbing, gas lines, electrical conduit, or HVAC ductwork. These trades take years to learn and there’s a reason performing them requires a license. Screw up here and you put lives and structural integrity at risk. Saving a few bucks just isn’t work it.

kitchen renovation succes starts with a solid plan

Maybe a Blend is Right for You

If you’re itching to get your hands dirty, then maybe a blend is right for you. Hire a pro for the floors and cabinets and you can handle painting and installing the refrigerator.

Or maybe you want to remove the old, greasy wallpaper or tile backsplash before the pros come in. That might be the perfect plan.

Just because you hire a pro for your kitchen remodel doesn’t mean you can’t still be involved. When you interview and get estimates, talk to the contractor about your desire to get hands on. They may have suggestions of how you can help and where you need to back off.

Whether you want to do part of it yourself or rely totally on a pro, look to Inspired Remodels for all your remodeling needs. Custom cabinets, new floors, and open floor plans are just a few of the possibilities. Call (949) 716-1938 and let’s discuss your project. There’s no time like 2020 for the kitchen of your dreams.