There are so many benefits to spending time together in the kitchen. Studies suggest that enjoying a meal together can have several positive impacts on your family, including:

• Better academic scores and language development for teens and children.
• Improved family relationships and strengthened by family discussions.
• The ability to make healthier, more nutritious food choices.
• Decreased risk of teenagers engaging in high-risk behaviors.
• Less emotional stress, thanks to a stronger support system.

Encourage your family to spend more time in the kitchen by creating the ultimate family-friendly space.

SIX TIPS FOR CREATING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY KITCHEN DESIGN

A family-friendly kitchen is one that is comfortable, functional, safe and engaging for the whole family. Following these six tips to begin designing your own family-friendly kitchen:

SEATING IS EVERYTHING

In a family-friendly kitchen, seating is everything. Whether your family gathers around a traditional dining room table or sits on counter-height barstools around the kitchen island, make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating available. The more comfortable your dinner-time seating is, the more time your family will want to spend sitting around the table.

Some of the most delicious family meals — like pasta, pizza and desserts — can also be some of the messiest. When choosing chairs or bar stools for your family kitchen, look for ones that are made with easy-to-clean fabrics. Alternatively, preserve delicate seating with washable slip-covers during mealtime.

HAVE A MENU BOARD

One of the smartest family kitchen ideas is to display a large menu in the dining area so your family can look ahead at the week’s dinner plans. Construct your menu out of chalkboard paint or use a dry-erase board, so it is easy to change each week.

Pre-planning your weekly menu is an excellent way to organize your grocery shopping list and give your family an idea of what to expect each night. For even more fun, consider implementing “theme nights” throughout the week, like Taco Tuesday or Leftovers Night.

CHOOSE EASY-TO-CLEAN BUILDING MATERIALS

Easy to clean building materials — especially for the countertops and flooring — are a must-have in family-friendly kitchens. Quartz, vinyl, and laminate countertops are all easy to maintain and stand up well to the chaos of family mealtime.

Stone, tile, and laminate materials are all great options for your floor, as they are typically non-porous and easy to clean. Avoid installing any carpet in your kitchen, as it will be difficult to keep clean and dry. Instead, opt for a colorful, washable rug to add more personality to the room.

Let’s be real. Life happens. When you use a kitchen, day in and day out, bad things can happen to good cabinets. But now you can make a mess, wipe it clean and get on with life.

CHILD-PROOF WHEN NECESSARY

If babies or toddlers live in your home, you are probably already familiar with the idea of child-proofing. In a family-friendly kitchen, child-proofing means installing high shelves and closed-door cabinetry to safely hide away dangerous items, like knives, kitchen gadgets, cleaning agents and more.

Baby gates are another good option for keeping children away from unsafe areas of the kitchen. For even more protection, consider placing corner guards on the edges of your kitchen counters, island and dining table to keep your little one from bumping their head.

LET THE KIDS GET INVOLVED

Make family time last longer and teach your child valuable life skills by letting them get involved in the meal preparations. Depending on your child’s age, there are several different ways your kid can get involved.

Teaching your children how to cook from a young age and letting them express themselves in the kitchen can encourage them to:

• Develop healthy eating habits.
• Be more creative.
• Become more adventurous eaters.
• Learn math and basic formulas while measuring ingredients.
• Improve their reading comprehension by consulting recipes.
• Learn more about where food comes from, including different cultures.
• Get a jump-start on learning how to care for themselves.
For kid-friendly kitchen design, install child-height furniture. If that isn’t possible, designate a special step-stool for your child, so they can easily assist. You could also set a special drawer in your kitchen aside for your children’s baking and cooking supplies so they can learn how to put away their tools and dishes during cleanup.

STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE

Kitchens for families require a lot of storage space to make room for all the dishes, pantry items, pots and pans. Implement traditional storage spaces throughout your kitchen design, including kitchen walk-in pantries, drawers, cabinetry and pot hangers.

If your kitchen is small or you are working on a limited budget, implement other space-saving tricks, like:

• Installing sliding, pull-out pantries.
• Invest in built-in spice racks inside your cabinets.
• Placing floating shelves on the wall.

For you, this means kitchen cabinetry that can:

• Withstand the heat, moisture, drops and spills that happen while cooking.
• Handle accidental scrapes and bumps without lasting damage.

Potomac Kitchen and Bath, you can also add optional additional storage or personalized touches to your cabinetry like built-in spice racks and decorative trims or moldings. Select Potomac Kitchen and Bath are available for Quick Ship, meaning you get your cabinetry within days, not weeks.

• Fast transit times: Select Potomac Kitchen and Bath are available for Quick Ship transit.
To learn more about Potomac Kitchen and Bath — or to browse our other premium cabinetry selections — visit Potomac Kitchen and Bath online. Then, find an independent Potomac Kitchen and Bath dealer near you to see the cabinets for yourself and begin designing the family kitchen of your dreams.

For further information about kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Leesburg, McLean, Chantilly, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton, Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.

If you’re looking to revamp your kitchen’s look, you might want to start with new kitchen cabinets. However, knowing how to measure cabinets in kitchens is an essential skill to have when you want to take your kitchen’s appearance and functionality to the next level.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with the skills you need to measure your kitchen properly.

STEPS TO MEASURE YOUR KITCHEN FOR CABINETS
To begin the measuring process, you’ll need to gather:

Grid paper
A tape measure
A pencil or pen
After collecting the materials, follow these seven steps to measure your kitchen for cabinets:

DRAW YOUR FLOOR PLAN

The first step you have to take to begin measuring your kitchen for cabinets is to draw up a floor plan. With your pen or pencil, sketch the layout of your kitchen onto a piece of grid paper. On this floor plan, you’ll need to identify the locations of:

Windows
Doors
Light switches
Water lines
Gas lines
Drain lines
Vents for heating and air
Hood vents
Electrical outlets
The first draft of your floor plan doesn’t have to be to scale, but you should make sure it conveys the layout accurately and clearly.

TAKE HORIZONTAL MEASUREMENTS

With the layout taken down, you can begin measuring your space. Your measurements should be entirely in inches. For example, instead of recording that a wall is four feet long, you should record that it is 48 inches long.

The first horizontal measurements you’ll need to make are the full wall lengths. It’s best to start taking horizontal measurements from one of the adjoining corners of the wall. Measure clockwise, moving from edge to edge with your tape measure. You’ll want to skip over appliances, windows, and other fixtures. It’s a good idea to label your walls with a specific number so you can reference them easily.

Once you’ve got the full length down, you’ll then move on to measuring the wall in smaller segments. In this stage, you’ll measure every opening. To get these measurements, you’ll measure from one outside trim edge to the next outside trim edge. Ensure you include any molding or trim in the smaller wall segment in the measurement. Like the larger walls, number your openings for simple referencing. You’ll need to record both the full and partial length measurements on your floor plan.

TAKE VERTICAL MEASUREMENTS

After recording your horizontal measurements, you’ll need to do the same for your vertical measurements. In your initial measurements, you’ll measure from the floor to the windowsill. Next, you’ll measure from the windowsill to the window’s top, and finally, from the top of the window to the ceiling.

The final step is to measure from the floor to the ceiling. Since some homes will have different ceiling heights in the same room, you should take at least three different floor-to-ceiling measurements.

NOTE OBSTRUCTIONS

With the measurements in place, you should note any obstructions alongside your walls, including vents, pipes, and radiators. It’s essential to note obstructions because they usually can’t be removed, which can influence where you place your cabinets.

IDENTIFY APPLIANCES AND UTILITIES

In your kitchen, you’ll want to determine what large appliances and utilities you’re going to want to keep in the kitchen after you’ve installed your newest cabinets. Knowing where your power sources, water supply, air vents, light switches, and electrical outlets are will help you figure out where you can and can’t place your cabinets.

Other than marking the location of these utilities and appliances on your floor plan, you should also indicate where their center points are. The center point of an appliance will usually be the point where the gas line or plumbing line begins.

PLAN YOUR KITCHEN LAYOUT

With all your measurements and notes handy, you can begin to plan out how your kitchen is going to look with your new cabinets. Since you know how much space to work with, you can pick out areas where you want to include your new cabinets.

SELECT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS

After you’ve figured out where you want your kitchen cabinets to go, you can begin to figure out which kitchen cabinets are right for you. There are a lot of different options available for you to choose from. Consider a variety of cabinets before you make a decision. Just make sure their dimensions fit before you order them.

TIPS FOR MEASURING YOUR KITCHEN FOR CABINETS

Do not forget to measure your granite countertops, quartz countertops, and marble countertops while making your measurements.

Take horizontal measurements at the same distance from the floor: You’ll need to take all the horizontal measurements of your kitchen walls at the same height. By taking your measurements at the same distance, you’ll make sure they stay consistent across all the walls you measure.

• Make accurate measurements with the right tools: To be as accurate as possible, get a reliable tape measure and pencil to help you take measurements. Additionally, use graph paper and a straight edge to help you draw up a floor plan that best represents your kitchen.
• Measure clockwise: To ensure you never miss a wall or forget where you left off, it’s best practice to measure your walls clockwise. As you move around the room, you should be labeling walls, doors, and windows with numbers to keep everything as accurate as possible.
• Don’t forget the trim: When you measure windows or doors, remember that it’s trim, or casing, is considered part of the window or door. For example, you’d measure a window from one end of its trim to the opposite side to get the window’s length or height.

For further information about kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Leesburg, McLean, Chantilly, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton, Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.

Choosing the right doors for your cabinets is no small decision. After all, they’re an important visual element in your kitchen, meaning the design you choose will have a significant impact on the overall design of the room. Based purely on your cabinet door choices, you can set the tone for a kitchen that’s bright and fun, sophisticated and refined, or minimalistic and classic.

It’s no surprise, then, that the number of potential options can be overwhelming. To help you make the decision of which cabinet door will help you achieve the look and feel you’re going for, we’ve put together a handy guide on popular cabinet door styles, as well as which criteria you should be looking for as you make your selection. Continue reading this cabinet door styles guide to find out which is best for your kitchen style and budget.

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING YOUR CABINET DOORS

There are plenty of different ways you could evaluate your choices of cabinet doors. Everyone has their own method, and none of these methods are wrong. If you’re feeling swamped by all the possibilities, however, it can be helpful to know some of the standard criteria for choosing your types of cabinet doors.

You can also find which kitchen cabinet is compatible with your granite countertop, quartz countertop or marble countertop from our link pages.

A few of the common criteria people evaluate while making this choice include:

KITCHEN LAYOUT AND STYLE

Your entire house has a theme, a style, and a feeling that is carried throughout. Every piece of furniture, every carpet, and every light fixture works together to contribute to this feeling, and no room is exempt from this. While the style might vary slightly from the bedroom to the hall, and the living room to the dining room, a consistent theme will likely run throughout your house. This includes the kitchen as well.

When it comes to deciding on your cabinet doors, think of them in terms of your home’s overall style. The first step is to determine what the current style of your home is and consider what look you want to achieve. Is your home classic and elegant? Is it modern and minimalistic? What about bold, bright, and fun? Whatever style your house has working for it, carry this through with your kitchen cabinet doors.

As you’re thinking about your home’s overall style, it might also be wise to devote some time to thinking about your kitchen’s layout. Is it L-shaped? U-shaped? Think about how different styles of doors will look in your current layout, and let this guide your decision accordingly.

FUNCTIONALITY

Another important consideration when choosing between different kitchen cabinet door styles is functionality.

Think about how you typically use or would like to use your cabinets. Do you frequently entertain guests and need extra storage space for all your serving dishes, plates, and drinkware?

These kinds of factors will influence what your functionality needs are.

PRICE

Like anything else, cabinet doors exist in a wide range of prices and styles. Some are less expensive, while others are more expensive — and there’s something for everyone’s budget.

As you browse cabinet door options, we recommend looking through the options available to you as a start, so you get a solid understanding of typical price ranges. Then, look at your own budget and decide how much money you’re willing to spend. Compare this decision to the prices of cabinet doors, and you’ll find that you’re quickly able to eliminate many of the options that fall on either end of your desired price range.

When you shop cabinet doors at Potomac Kitchen and Bath, you’ll find that our cabinet doors are available at a wide selection of prices. Browse from our affordable Potomac Kitchen and Bath cabinets to our semi-custom options at a middle-of-the-road price point and finally our Potomac Kitchen and Bath choices at the very top of the price range. Decide which options work best for you and your wallet, and move forward from there.

CONSTRUCTION

While there are countless different aesthetic designs for cabinets, the actual structural bones of a cabinet are available in two primary different construction options.

The first option is full-access cabinets. This is a more European style that allows for slightly more storage inside an elegant frameless construction. If you’re interested in this style, we recommend checking out our Potomac Kitchen and Bath cabinets.

On the other hand, the second, more popular option is framed cabinets. This style is more common in the United States and features framed cabinets built in many different sub-styles. We offer many different cabinets in this style, such as our Potomac Kitchen and Bath.

DOOR STYLE AND FINISH

The aesthetic is an important part of the choosing process. Ask yourself which finishes and styles you like the best, and which ones you think will look the best in your kitchen. These criteria alone should help you narrow down the choices considerably.

It’s not surprising, then, that the number of potential options is huge. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you decide which cabinet door will help you achieve the look and feel you’re looking for. make your choice. Keep reading this guide to cabinet door styles to find which is best for your kitchen style and budget.

ADDITIONAL DOOR-STYLE OPTIONS

Beyond the simple matter of overlays, there are numerous other ways your cabinet doors can vary in style and design.

Drawer fronts, for example, come in two different styles. These styles are one-piece drawer fronts — a style known as a slab — and five-piece drawer fronts — a style known as decorative. Not only can you customize your cabinets, but you can also allow yourself some freedom and expression with your drawers as well.

Stains and finishes are also important design elements to keep in mind. Cabinets and drawers come in all different colors, shades, and finishes, and we recommend basing your choice on a variety of factors such as price, taste, and overall compliance with your kitchen’s style as a whole. Some of our most popular styles and finishes for cabinets are painted, SmartShield, and glazed.

COLOR

No matter what style of kitchen cabinet doors you choose, the color palette will play a significant part in how the finished project will look. 

Lighter color palettes using cream or white can help create looks ranging from contemporary to farmhouse. Meanwhile, adding pops of color or sticking to a more earthy color palette can help you achieve anything from a modern to a mid-century style.

While cabinets were traditionally painted just one color, choosing a two-tone design — where you paint or stain the top and bottom in two different shades — can really add some visual appeal.

For further information about kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Leesburg, McLean, Chantilly, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton, Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.

Meet the Better New Kitchens

Are you ready to recreate your kitchen? With our experience in custom woodworking and finishing, we make it easy to upgrade your kitchen without the mess or cost of a full remodel. With our years of knowledge, we offer first-class cabinet refurbishment service using the finest woods and finishes. Choose from a variety of door styles, wood species and specialty finishes to make your kitchen uniquely yours. Our full range of options includes custom modifications and partial new build solutions that enable us to meet homeowners’ specific needs. Let us walk you through our process before, during and after installation for a hassle-free cabinet renovation experience.

Before You Start Revitalizing Your Kitchen

It all starts with an initial estimate based on your rough measurements and preferences. If it’s within your budget, we’ll personally meet with you at your home to discuss design, materials, and customizations with a few samples. This 2-3 hour session will get you exactly what you want. Following your selections, we provide an accurate and detailed quote and then set installation dates following confirmation and payment.

Planning and Rearranging Your Schedule

We believe in realistic timelines and stay true to our promises. Although installation can begin shortly after the contract is signed, the timeline can often take up to 6-8 weeks as we have a dedicated installation team, including the owner himself. Our commitment to realistic planning has given us a track record our clients can trust.

Preparing for Cabinet Refurbishment Installation

Preparing for installation is simple. Please clean your counters and empty the front 6 inches of your cabinets and drawers. Complete emptying of cabinets or drawers is only necessary if your project involves special new construction features. In addition to working in your kitchen, we will set up a mobile shop as our “base camp,” requiring a clean, secure indoor area of 15’x15′ to ensure a smooth and efficient installation.

What to Expect During Installation?

Some of the many benefits of kitchen cabinet refacing are experienced during the installation period. Customers will be able to use their kitchens during the project when the installation team is not working on site. You can expect occasional loud noises as part of the installation process, but there won’t be much dust or odor. Although installation timeframe varies from project to project depending on size and complexity, it typically only takes 2-4 days to complete a cabinet remodeling installation from start to finish. The team typically arrives at the site between 8:00am and 9:00am and leaves before 5:00pm each day.

Cabinet Refacing Precision

Our team is all about precision. We start by removing old cabinet parts and disposing of them responsibly. We then cover your existing cabinets with real wood paneling, hand-painted transition areas, and meticulously install new doors, drawer tops, crown molding, soft-close hinges, handles, and drawers. Our commitment to functionality and aesthetics ensures every component aligns perfectly in your Scottsdale kitchen.

Quality Controls

Quality is our brand. Strict quality checks and inspections throughout the installation process ensure impeccable workmanship. Literally no detail is left unchecked at Better Than New Kitchens. We have a checklist.

Customer Communication

We pride ourselves on open communication. We will keep you informed of developments. With the owner onsite, any questions or concerns are answered immediately for a hassle-free experience.

Cleaning Process

After installation, we put your kitchen back together. Your appliances are replaced, surfaces are wiped down, cabinets and drawers are vacuumed, and debris is removed. A similar practice is applied to the mobile store workspace. Our promise is to leave your space better than when we arrived.

Contact us for granite, marble or quartz countertops suitable for your kitchen.

When it comes to kitchen cabinet door ideas, the options are nearly endless. To help you find kitchen cabinet doors perfect for your home, we’ve compiled a list of designs for cabinet doors. From various door styles and colors to hardware, accents and finishes that will complete the look of any kitchen — we have everything you need to start your dream kitchen design.

Here are a few popular cabinet door design ideas you can use to execute the look you’ve envisioned for your kitchen:

Door Style

When deciding which kitchen cabinet door would suit your kitchen and blend with the rest of your home, consider the available styles

Raised-Panel Doors

Raised panel doors have raised centers that create a three-dimensional effect. This unique style emphasizes the beauty of woodgrains and is ideal for vertical and horizontal grains to really make your kitchen pop. You can also have them painted and enjoy the same aesthetic value. Raised-panel doors provide a rustic appeal that many homeowners admire, but these doors may not be as easy to clean and paint as doors with fewer panels.

Slab-Style Doors

Slab-style doors are perfect if you’re looking for a clean, trendy cabinet door design. These doors are exactly what their name suggests: flat. They lack contours and create a seamless appearance throughout your kitchen. They have a continuous, uninterrupted flow and are manufactured using fiberboard, melamine, laminate, cherry, maple or oak. Their minimalistic nature makes them easy to clean, and they can be painted quite easily.

Recessed

Like raised-panel cabinet doors, recessed doors have a center panel. However, these panels go inward rather than protruding outward. They have a simple and classic look and can come in many beautiful and elaborate styles. You can also choose between many stains, colors and materials, including Aqua Granite on Maple and Castle Charcoal on Cherry.

Arch-Style

These doors are elegant and charming, with an arched middle panel. Made from cherry, maple, hickory or oak and available in a wide variety of stains and paint colors, these doors are the perfect choice if you want a classic look with a bit of a twist. For example, you can choose a Saddle Java finish on Hickory wood for a natural look, or add a pop of color with Bleu paint on Maple wood. Whatever cupboard door ideas you’ve got in mind for your classic kitchen, these doors offer an amazing solution.

Square

Cabinet doors with square center panels are timeless and come in an array of sizes and styles. Square-style cabinet doors come in many materials including metal, wood, fiberboard and melamine and are versatile enough to fit in with most kitchen designs. Whether you’re going for a contemporary or conventional look, these doors can be customized accordingly.

Color

The color of your cabinet doors can significantly impact the look of your kitchen. The style of your kitchen will likely influence the cabinet color you choose:

Traditional: A traditional kitchen looks best with neutral-colored cabinets. White cabinets may be the way to go if you want to preserve an elegant atmosphere. Plus, white is the perfect base for any color scheme, so you can experiment with colors elsewhere in your kitchen if desired. Navy cabinets also look beautiful in a traditional kitchen.

Modern: Modern kitchens could benefit from bold kitchen cabinets. If you have a modern kitchen, you may consider black kitchen cabinets. Black cabinets look great in an otherwise white kitchen and when paired with other dark tones.

Rustic: Soft earth tones can enhance a rustic kitchen. You may choose light brown cabinets to coordinate with the organic materials already present in your kitchen.

Vintage: If you’re looking for unique cabinet doors, pastel shades like blue, green, yellow or orange look stunning in a vintage kitchen. These colors can evoke joy in your kitchen and brighten up the space. You may also use bold colors like red or bright blue to make your kitchen extra quirky.

Other considerations for the color of your cabinet doors include the color of your walls and the mood you want to create. For example, yellow cabinets can create a joyful atmosphere, while black cabinets make your kitchen feel more luxurious.

Visit our website to choose the cabinets suitable for your kitchen countertops.

The kitchen is considered the heart of the house, and kitchen cabinets are one of the elements that combine functionality, aesthetics and technology in this important area. Kitchen cabinets not only provide storage space, but also offer homeowners a platform to personalize their kitchens and reflect their own tastes.

Functionality and Order in Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets basically aim to provide functionality and order. Various drawer systems, special storage compartments, shelves and interior organization options offer the user the opportunity to organize kitchen utensils regularly. Smart storage solutions aim to make the most of limited spaces and offer practical solutions that suit the user’s needs.

Aesthetics and Design Diversity in Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets offer homeowners a wide variety of designs. Material selection, color palette, patterns and details determine the aesthetic appearance of kitchen cabinets. While wood adds natural warmth, metal offers a modern line. Kitchen cabinets appeal to different styles, from minimalist designs to stylish and flashy models, and adapt to the overall decoration of the house.

Material Selection and Durability

The material selection of kitchen cabinets affects the durability and longevity of the cabinets. While wood creates a traditional atmosphere, metal offers a modern stance. Materials such as laminate provide aesthetic diversity with a variety of color and pattern options. Choosing materials appropriate to usage needs and budget is an important factor that determines the quality of kitchen cabinets.

Assembly and Installation Precision

Proper assembly and installation determine the long-term performance of kitchen cabinets. Professional assembly ensures that cabinets are positioned properly, doors close smoothly, and the user has a safe experience. Precision in the assembly process ensures that the cabinets sit on a solid foundation and provide trouble-free service for many years.

Technological Innovations and Smart Cabinets

Today, kitchen cabinets have become smarter by keeping up with technological innovations. Smart cabinets are equipped with features such as touch screens, automatic lighting systems, voice control and smart mechanisms in storage areas. These features make kitchen use more practical and enjoyable, and also offer solutions that meet the needs of modern life.

Long-Term Use and Maintenance

When choosing kitchen cabinets, long-term use and ease of maintenance should also be taken into consideration. Selection of durable materials and correct assembly ensure that the cabinets provide trouble-free service for many years. Additionally, applying maintenance in accordance with the usage instructions prolongs the life of kitchen cabinets and preserves their aesthetic appearance.

Conclusion

Cabinets combine functionality, aesthetics and technology, offering homeowners special and personalized kitchen spaces. In addition to providing order with its functionality, it also attracts attention with its aesthetic diversity and technological features. When cabinets and countertops are chosen correctly, they promise long-term satisfaction to homeowners. It turns kitchens into a part of your living spaces rather than just a cooking area. Cabinets and countertops make your home beautiful.
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So, you want to update your kitchen. Before you start tearing down walls and pulling out your cabinets, take a second to think about your budget and lifestyle. It may be easier for you to upgrade your kitchen one step at a time, rather than take on a huge renovation project.

A slower approach to your kitchen renovation will help keep your budget in check. It will also help you maintain the regular use of your kitchen since you could lose access to the space when doing a full renovation.

The first thing you should consider is the organization and layout of your kitchen. Then, if you’re comfortable with the layout and general design of your kitchen, the next step is your counters.

When it comes to your kitchen countertops, there are many options available. From granite to tile to marble and everything in between, the choices are endless. While each material has its merits, today we will be looking at quartz countertops.

Resale Value and Quartz

When you’re upgrading your kitchen, it’s always smart to keep the resale value of your home in mind. According to Alpha Stone, quartz countertops are quite appealing to potential buyers. This is because quartz can provide the beauty of more expensive materials at a lower price point.

Many potential homebuyers are looking for granite countertops or a material that looks just like granite. Quartz kitchen countertops fit the bill perfectly. These counters can make your kitchen look more expensive and professional, at a fraction of the cost of granite or marble.

Versatility of Quartz

Since quartz counters are engineered in a factory, you can find them in a wider range of colors than natural materials. These countertops consist of around 94% natural quartz. The remaining 6% is generally a mixture of polyester resins. You can also find quartz kitchen counters that include recycled glass, which gives the counters a unique look.

Durable Material

One of the major complaints of homeowners with counters made from marble or granite is their propensity for stains. Countertops made of stone are quite porous, and thus are quick to stain if you’re not careful.

For families looking for more durable countertops, quartz is the way to go. Since quartz counters contain resin, the material is hard and low-maintenance. That means you don’t have to jump for the stone cleaner if your kid spills their juice!

There are many varieties of quartz available that mimic the look of stone, so you don’t have to miss out on the look you want. If you’re working with an interior designer, they will have a variety of options available for you. Or, you can turn to your local design showroom to take a look for yourself!

Keep It Clean

Do you have a big family that’s always coming and going? Today, the kitchen is for more than food preparation. It is a place where people gather after work and school. Your kitchen is where your family takes on bake sale projects and hangs out together. It experiences more traffic than ever.

With more activity and traffic comes more mess. One of the best features of quartz is its antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial surface helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It can also help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Add this to the fact that quartz is easier to clean than natural stone surfaces, and you’ve got yourself an ideal material for countertops. A quartz counter would be perfect for home cooks and families with small children.

Installing Quartz Countertop

Quartz is a very heavy material and is generally installed in large slabs. This means that if you are able to get a slab large enough, your kitchen’s counters could be seamless!

Given the weight of quartz slabs, you should hire professionals to install these counters. If a quartz slab is not handled properly, it can crack. This would be a costly mistake, and you would have to source a new slab or work with your broken slabs.

Do not let the pressure of installing quartz counters turn you away from them, though. When you’re hiring a professional to install your counters, ask to see their previous projects and check for references. The benefits of quartz will outweigh the brief stress of the installation project.

Quartz vs. Granite Countertop

When people talk about buying a house, you’ll often hear them craving granite countertops. But if you can get a similar look at a lower price, why spend extra?

Material

The first difference between quartz and granite countertops is their material. We’ve already mentioned that quartz consists of 94% natural quartz, and 6% polymer resins. Granite countertops are 100% natural stone.

Price

With a difference in materials comes a difference in price. Given that granite needs to be mined from quarries across the world, its origin can greatly impact the price you pay. For instance, if you are sourcing granite from Italy and bringing it to rural Alberta, you’ll pay a premium. But you can find more local quartz manufacturers, that will bring a lower price point and pride in supporting a local business!

Maintenance

When it comes to cleaning, quartz counters have the upper hand. Resin is much easier to clean than natural stone, and you don’t need to reseal the surface on a regular basis.

Granite countertops are quite a fair bit of maintenance. You’ll want to do some research into the best granite cleaner for your counters. Using the incorrect oil or cleaner can cause permanent stains, so this step is crucial. These counters also need to be resealed on an annual basis.

How to Clean Quartz Countertop

If you spill something on your quartz counters, start by wiping them off with a soft rag and a mild detergent. You will need to remove dried gunk with a plastic scraper and use a soft rag and soap to clean up after. For greasier messes, use a degreasing cleaner meant for quartz countertops.

One rule of thumb for cleaning quartz countertops is to avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach.

When you visit the Alpha Stones showroom, be sure to ask a showroom consultant about countertop materials. They will be happy to guide you through the kitchen design process. This includes the fixtures that will look best with your chosen countertop material.

Let’s take a look at the upcoming kitchen trends for 2024. Earth tones are set to dominate, bringing warmth and a touch of nature to your cooking space. Think rich browns, deep greens, and warm neutrals that create a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. As for cabinetry, wood over white is making a strong comeback. Bypassing the all-white craze, homeowners are opting for natural wood finishes that add texture and character to the kitchen. Plus, they effortlessly blend with earthy color palettes. So get ready to embrace these fabulous trends and more for a kitchen that’s both on-trend and effortlessly functional!

Earth Tones

Homeowners are now making a bold and exciting shift towards a fresher, more vibrant aesthetic in their kitchens and bathrooms. With sage greens, terracottas, and white tones taking center stage, these spaces are transforming into inviting havens of complete serenity. This brave departure from traditional colors creates an atmosphere of excitement and openness within their homes.

Wood Over White

The newest trend in kitchen design is phasing away from all white kitchens and instead embracing the beauty of wood cabinets and islands. This direction towards adding warmth and texture to our cooking spaces is gaining momentum. Not only do wood elements bring a cozy and inviting feel to the kitchen, but they also create a natural connection with the surrounding environment, making it easier to integrate seamlessly into any home decor style.

Wood cabinets and islands offer versatility in terms of color, as they can be stained or painted in various shades to match your preferences. Wood adds an appealing visual interest while offering a refreshing departure from the pristine white look that has dominated kitchen designs for years. It’s time to embrace this warm yet casual wood aesthetic this new year.

Islands with Storage & Outlets

If you’re looking to add a touch of convenience and functionality to your kitchen, consider installing a kitchen island with adjustable height features, charging stations for your electronics, and plenty of workspace. This innovative addition not only provides an additional surface area for prepping meals but also acts as a hub for various activities. The adjustable height feature allows you to customize the island’s position according to your comfort.

With the extra workspace available, you can now comfortably spread out while working on recipes or even use it as a spot for kids to do their homework. Adding such functional elements in a casual setting not only enhances the overall appeal of your kitchen but also makes life easier and more enjoyable.

Under Countertop Refrigeration

Homeowners nowadays are increasingly choosing under countertop refrigeration units to conveniently grab a drink and go within the comfort of their homes. These compact and stylish appliances seamlessly blend into any kitchen decor while offering a functional and convenient solution for those on-the-go moments. With a simple pull of a handle, homeowners can access their favorite beverages without having to open the entire fridge for added convenience.

Under countertop refrigerators also offer the advantage of being easily accessible from various areas in the house, eliminating the need to constantly walk back to the kitchen for refreshments during gatherings or movie nights. Under countertop, refrigeration has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking an efficient, time-saving solution at home.

Statement Range Hood

Looking to add a touch of vibrancy and personality to your kitchen? Stand out from the crowd with bold colors, patterns, and materials for your range hoods. Ditch the traditional white or silver options and embrace eye-catching hues such as forest greens, deep blues, or even funky patterns. Not only will these bold choices create a focal point in your kitchen, but they’ll also create energy and life into the space.

Additionally, consider materials like wood and stainless steel for added visual interest and durability. Wood adds warmth and character while stainless steel brings a sleek modernity to your kitchen design. Let your range hood become a statement piece that reflects your unique style and makes cooking an even more enjoyable experience.

The kitchen often serves as the focal point of any home where food brings people together. A beautiful renovation project that adds second-hand value to your home, you can personalize your kitchen.

Take a look at the benefits of renovating your kitchen and how it can boost your profits when deciding to sell.

Individual Features in Kitchen Remodels That Increase Home Value the Most

The most significant design changes come from the smaller details in your kitchen. You can create your vision of the perfect kitchen by modifying the features around the room that you use daily. Minor kitchen upgrade ideas or even a new kitchen will increase home value due to the upgraded functionality and style you install in your house.

Consider these common kitchen home improvement ideas that can spark inspiration and improve your home’s value.

Cabinets

Think of your kitchen cabinets as a blank canvas that you can paint and decorate to make the space come to life. These features pull the whole room together effortlessly.

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most versatile and customizable features that allow you to incorporate your personal style into one of the most popular areas in the home. Not to mention, these stylish fixtures add incredible function via storage — and many homebuyers seek out ample storage when shopping around for homes.

Start your kitchen home improvement project with a few cabinet styling options to explore:

Materials: The base of the cabinet starts with the material you choose. Texture, appearance, and finishes can drastically change the wood and fiberboard look. You can select a few options for your cabinet material — cherry, oak, hickory, maple, laminate, and many others.
Styles: Cabinets can arrive with various styles of wood carvings and detailed appearances. With a splash of color, you can use these small intricate features to stand out to add more flair to your kitchen. The styles of cabinet doors you can choose from include versatile shaker styles, traditionally raised panels and modern slabs.
Finishes: The finish of your kitchen cabinets gives a final touch of your style that others can admire. Staining, glaze, and paints can turn your wood or laminate cabinets into the signature flair you plan to create with your renovation project. Consider a neutral finish that can become a blank canvas for future homeowners. White cabinets, for instance, are trendy right now, but they’re also timeless and adaptable for different aesthetics. You could also go for a two-tone look.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Add some depth to your kitchen renovation project with new countertops and backsplashes. These spaces are where family and friends gather to cook meals and share stories together. A change in style to these features can capture the attention of future buyers who can envision making their own memories in the same room. 

For this reason, new countertops and backsplashes that add flair to your kitchen cabinets can increase the number of potential buyers and improve your home’s resale value. Authentic marble, wood, or stone countertops are one of the most attractive kitchen upgrade ideas for buyers to observe when you sell. Backsplashes can draw in colors from your new cabinets that match the countertops to pull the whole room together.

Appliances

New appliances around the kitchen increase the functionality of the room’s primary purposes. A modern fridge, oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, or other valuable devices can help make the kitchen come to life and make cooking more fun for the whole family. When the time comes to sell your home, buyers can appreciate the addition of new appliances that they will not have to purchase. They will be more inclined to spend more on the house, increasing the resale value.

Flooring

A prominent upgrade you can add to your kitchen home improvement plans is the flooring. Depending on the styles you choose for your cabinets and countertops, you can find beautiful floors that complement your selected colors and patterns. Wood, stone, tile, marble, and vinyl floors can add even more style and life to the most used room in the home.

New floors offer protection from water and steam damage and give the room a fresh shine. These upgrades are one of the first noticeable features of the kitchens that buyers admire because the floors suggest the room is in good shape, which increases the home’s value.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Increase Home Value?

In 2022, a mid-range, minor kitchen remodel boosted resale by over $20,000, recouping a little over 71% of the cost. For a major mid-range kitchen renovation, the return on investment (ROI) was a bit over 56%, but it increased home value by more than $45,000. Even the most minor upgrades in kitchen renovation and remodeling can add value to the entire house.

The return on investment of kitchen spending has increased significantly over the past few years. Since this area is typically the house’s most used room by all family members, buyers tend to look at the kitchen first to determine the home’s potential in the future. A quality kitchen can increase your buyer pool, potentially driving up competition on your house and earning you higher offers.

Kitchen Remodels vs. Other Remodels

Remodeling projects that offer modern upgrades or expansions in the home can typically result in a higher resale value. Kitchen renovation quickly attracts the attention of future buyers.

With this in mind, you should renovate your kitchen before selling it. The same research from 2022 that found the return on kitchen remodels found these numbers for other upgrades:

Mid-range main bedroom suite addition: 53.4%
Mid-range bathroom addition: 51.8%
An upscale bathroom remodel: 53.5%
A mid-range bathroom remodel: 58.9%

A new kitchen offers future homeowners durable floors and cabinets. Resale value can increase thanks to your efforts when you invest in new and stylish spaces for your home.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and kitchen renovation is important. This is not just where you cook dinner, it’s also where people gather and have fun. A kitchen remodel that appeals to your preferences and adds value to your home is a difficult balance to strike.

If you’re planning an entire overhaul of your kitchen this year or just looking for a few update ideas, you’ll want to know what’s popular this year. Our team of Potomac Kitchen and Bath designers share the stunning top kitchen renovation trends we’re seeing in 2024 related to style, materials and finishes.

What Kitchen Design Style is Popular?

Before you can start choosing materials to contribute to the design you would like to achieve, you need to determine what style you’re looking for. In 2024, the most popular kitchen renovation style is contemporary.

Contemporary Kitchen Styling with Clean Lines

Contemporary design is a minimal and simple approach that should not sometimes be confused with the cooler, modern style and contemporary design focuses on tile work and geometric designs. With its clean lines, it creates a very warm and serene environment.

A Focus on Storage and Organization

Since we’re looking to keep the design contemporary and de-cluttered, having optimal kitchen storage space and maximizing on kitchen functionality with organization is necessary.

We’ve had to redesign our homes because many of us are staying home more than ever before, and we’re also cooking from home more too which means more food, more appliances and the need for more space. Many of our clients want to optimize their storage space and keep it organized. A huge 2021 kitchen renovation trend is to focus on seamlessly incorporating as much storage into a design as possible.

Kitchen Storage

Optimizing storage space transforms kitchens into an inviting, contemporary living space that feels clean and tidy. More cabinet space for all types of appliances like an air-fryer or slow cooker is something we all want a little more of in our kitchen renovations.

What Types of Materials Are Being Chosen?

Choosing the right materials for your design look can be overwhelming and difficult, especially when you want to get the most for your budget. Our designers are here to help you envision the perfect kitchen by choosing the right materials.

Warm Wood Tones

Contemporary doesn’t have to mean “cold. Wood cabinetry offers a great way to warm up any contemporary space, especially a kitchen. However, gone are the yellow maple tones and red cherry tones that were so popular for so long.

Need help choosing wood tones? Potomac Kitchen and Bath designers will help you determine the best color palette and countertop style to complement the gorgeous grain and hues of the warm wood.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are still hot this year, and we can understand why and quartz is harder and more durable than granite.

We’re sure you’ve heard the pros and cons of quartz versus granite, but this year’s overarching opinion is that quartz is more popular because it’s low maintenance, versatile and timeless.

Which Veneers Are Better?

Now that you have determined what style and materials you plan to use by working with our RSI kitchen design teams, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your 2024 dream kitchen renovation.

The bold trends in finishes we are seeing this year complement the popular rising contemporary style. It’s the final touches that really pull the design together and create a warm, inviting room.

Black Stainless Steel Appliances

Black stainless offers a new spin on the stainless steel appliance trend, black stainless steel appliances are easier to clean and have better fingerprint resistance than traditional stainless. It’s also a warmer alternative to stainless steel appliances, which have a slightly more industrial feel.

While most black appliances typically absorb light, black stainless appliances reflect light into the space to add to the positive energy of a contemporary kitchen redesign. 2024 kitchens seem to be ready for this bold design.

For further information about kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Leesburg, McLean, Chantilly, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton, Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.