Taking on a kitchen remodeling project is both an exciting and overwhelming process. There are an endless amount of options available for every little detail, and it is easy to become consumed in the grandeur of it all and forget about the practicality that is necessary in a kitchen.

A recent blog post highlighted certain elements that homeowners should keep in mind when selecting finishes and details for a new kitchen. Making conscious decisions that are not based on looks alone can help make homeowners’ lives a little bit easier when it comes to cleaning their kitchen space.

• Appearance - The finishes you choose for your appliances and the materials you select for your kitchen countertops can make a big difference on how easy or difficult it becomes to keep your kitchen clean.

• Textures - Textured floors and countertops mean that there are more spaces for dirt and food to get stuck, which can require some more extensive cleaning.

• Functionality - Vented kitchen ranges and under-mount sinks can make your kitchen more functional and easier to clean at the same time. When tackling replacement windows at the same time as your kitchen remodel, install a tilt-in window above your sink for easy cleaning access.

A few well considered decisions can make a big difference on how clean your new kitchen is likely to stay! Any other suggestions for details homeowners should keep in mind during a kitchen remodeling project?

It is common knowledge that homeowners will receive back any investment on kitchen upgrades when they sell their homes, and they might even profit if the right kind of cabinets, countertops, and so on are installed. When it comes to countertops, homeowners should be especially careful because there are many options to choose from, not all of which are equally desirable in a community.

The most common kitchen countertop option is still laminate or Formica. These countertops are constructed of wood with an overlay of a hard material that can be made in virtually any kind of design the homeowner wants. The main benefit of these countertops is that they are the lowest in price, but most kitchen remodeling experts confess that many people are looking for a different kind of counter when they are house hunting.

Continue reading →

With the concern about the environment present from the Oval office to Main Street, green building and interior design is hot right now (and hopefully well into the future). If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, following is one eco-friendly countertop option that is not only good for the environment, but for your sense of style as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recycled Glass Countertops

Glass is one of the most accessible – and frequently recycled – elements in existence today. It makes beautiful kitchen countertops (as well as vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, etc.). Following are some frequently asked questions about this recycled element.

Where does the recycled glass come from that is used to make kitchen countertops?

As glass is used for everything from drinking containers to car windows, it comes from a wide variety of sources. Most manufacturers get their glass from local recycling programs. Other sources include reclaimed glass from construction projects, donated glass from municipal projects, recycled glass from junkyards, etc.

Continue reading →