Before starting any home remodeling project, you need a plan.

One of the biggest remodeling mistakes homeowners make is skipping the planning phase and rushing straight into a project.

While home project planning is a tedious process, it will help you make the most of your time and money. Follow the steps below to ensure your remodel meets and exceeds your expectations without making a lot of mistakes along the way.

4 Steps to a Foolproof Home Renovation Project Plan

1. Decide What You Want

Part of planning a home project is deciding what you want it to look like.

Whether you’re converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower or building an in-law suite, having a better understanding of how you want the finished product to look and feel will help make decisions on budget, design and materials easier.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, clip images from magazines, play around with home design software or check out Houzz, Fresh Home, The Spruce, House Beautiful and other design sites.

2. Create a Realistic Budget

The next step in your home remodeling project plan is to create a budget.

Once you’ve decided the scope of your project and what features and finishes you want, figure out how much money you have available to spend. Spoiler alert: what you want and how much you can afford don’t always agree with one another.

Keep in mind that renovations don’t guarantee returns, and spending more on an upscale renovation isn’t necessarily a better investment than spending less on a midrange project.

How to Budget for a Home Remodel

• Figure out how much you have to spend: After you’ve decided what you want, determine whether or not you have enough money to cover the costs. Look at your wish list and prioritize needs versus wants.
• Assess the condition of your home: As a general rule of thumb, the older the home, the more hidden costs you’re likely to find behind your doors and walls.
• Check what permits your city requires: In addition to protecting your home and family, getting the necessary permits will ensure you won’t have to redo any of the work. The last thing you want is to run out of money in the middle of a project.

To avoid going over budget, add up your expenses before you start.

3. Get Written Estimates

Planning a home remodeling project involves getting estimates from remodeling companies or general contractors.

Before you start researching contractors in your area, get recommendations from family and friends about whom they hired for their remodeling projects. Compile a list of several contractors you may want to hire, but don’t let price be the deciding factor. Before hiring a contractor, consider the following:

1. Years of experience: A contractor who’s been doing business for a long time makes them a safer bet than one who is new to the business.
2. Contracting license: Make sure your contractor has gone through all the steps needed to obtain any required certifications specific to their line of work.
3. Certificate of insurance: Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the type of work they perform.
4. Timeline for completion: It’s important to know when contractors will start and complete a project, and if there are any circumstances that may affect that schedule.
5. Payment schedule: A reputable contractor won’t ask you to pay the full price upfront, and the Better Business Bureau advises not to. However, it’s important to discuss payment terms before construction begins. In some cases, it’s better to spend a little extra to get someone you’re comfortable working with.

4. Map Out Your Schedule

Depending on the scope of your project, a home renovation can run anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. As a result, you can expect your day-to-day life to be impacted in some capacity.

If the contractor you hire doesn’t provide their own timeline or project plan for your home renovation, you should make your own and share it with them.

Planning on having major work done to your kitchen? You’ll have to find somewhere else to eat. Renovating the master bedroom? You’ll have to make sleeping arrangements. Whether or not you should live in your home during construction depends on what work is being done, as well as these renovation realities.

Generally, the bigger the project, the longer it will take

Now that you know how to plan a home remodel successfully, your time and money will be well spent.

Keeping on top of the newest home décor and design trends can be difficult. That’s why we’ve started a list of the five hottest interior design trends so you can stay ahead of the curve without having to thumb through fifteen different magazines. So grab a cup of coffee and get your paintbrush and hammer ready as we take a deep dive into what 2022 has in store.

Trend #1: Vibrant Color Schemes Are Coming Back

As you’d expect, neutral colors such as gray, beige and everyone’s new favorite paint color, “greige,” are still the trendiest in terms of home design and décor. However, brighter colors are picking up steam. Blush pinks, reds and greens are making a comeback but neutrals still reign supreme.

If you’re tempted by the brightness, consider painting an accent wall instead of going all-in on one color to see if it fits your style. Looking for an even smaller splash of color? Try adding colorful accessories instead. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Trend #2: Metallic Accents

Metallic touches are one of the biggest (and shiniest) home décor trends right now and will continue well into 2022. However, it’s very easy to overdo it when it comes to shiny surfaces. The best way to incorporate this home trend is to keep things basic, such as hanging a silver-accented mirror on a wall or buying some copper end tables.

Of course, no one will judge you if you want to go heavy on the metal. If you’re looking for wall-to-wall shine, you can easily find metallic wallpaper on home décor sites such as Wayfair and Houzz, each with a variety of patterns and sheens to choose from.

Trend #3: High-Class Kitchen Elements

Once again, Amanda Gates lays out the latest home design trends in the kitchen: “Quartz counters, lower and upper cabinets in different finishes, appliances in fun colors, layouts that promote ease of use, cement tile backsplashes.” Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because it goes with so many different styles. Mixing up the finishes on your cabinets makes them stand out more. As for kitchen layouts, HGTV has an article outlining a few designs that will help you move around the room a lot more easily.

Of course, if you aren’t ready for a full-on kitchen remodel, you might try your hand at upgrading your backsplash or appliances. You can use virtually any cement tile as a backsplash, just make sure it doesn’t clash with your new oven.

Trend #4: Geometric Patterns

If you thought you were done with geometry in high school, guess again. Geometric patterns are trending up in the interior design space, with mesmerizing wallpaper prints leading the charge. Burke Décor has a huge range of styles you can choose from within a price range that will work for most budgets.

Pro Tip: Geometric wallpaper patterns pair amazingly well with wainscoting and crown molding.

Not ready to commit to a complete wall makeover? Try a subtler approach by adding patterned quilts, pillows or other accessories with a mathematical theme to your living room.

Trend #5: Minimalist Furniture With Minimal Upkeep

Simple, elegant furniture pieces have been a trending home design feature for years, but in 2022 the emphasis is on “clean lines, comfort and ease of use [as well as] finishes that are easy to care for and use.” For couches and chairs, look for pieces made with vinyl or faux suede fabric. With these materials, you can clean up most spills with a towel and dish soap, saving you from frantically googling five different recipes for homemade cleaning solutions.

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

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

Potomac Kitchen and Bath is the best remodeling Campany in Falls Church and Sterling, Virginia. We offer clients a wide selection of contemporary styles and the best matches for affordable remodeling projects. You can use “kitchen and bath remodeling” and “bathroom remodeling” to inform about countertops selection.

Everyone congregates in the cooking zone for conversation, sneaky bites, and to spend time together. Your counters see a fair amount of use, and they are one of the first things that people see when they enter. If your countertops are covered in cracks, peeling material, dingy surfaces, or chipped areas, then it might be time to get rid of them and have fresh, smooth toppers installed. In this article, we will share with you an article also about kitchen remodeling.

Maybe, the material or style is out-of-date, and you want something beautiful to show off; selling your home is often much easier when you replace counters and update the look of rooms like the kitchen and bath. The addition also increases the value of your home letting you recoup most, if not all, of the money you invest in the counters.

We are one of the experienced manufacturers of natural and engineered stone with high quality in Virginia. Specializing in granite, limestone, marble, and quartz that can transform not just your countertops but your fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens.
Contact us or stop by and let us help you change your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. .

Improving functionality with kitchen remodeling

If your kitchen is much too busy, cluttered, or hard to maneuver, then it might just be time to rearrange the room and have new Caesarstone quartz or limestone counters installed. These materials need a sealer to protect them from stains and burns, but they are popular choices in new home builds. Many times, homes need rearranging to fit the growth or change in a family. If someone becomes disabled, or new additions require a remodel, then replacing your countertops allows you to rearrange the kitchen to suit your needs better.

Families with several children often benefit from kitchen islands because it provides a separate prep area for cooking meals and space where little ones can sit at the island and be near mom or dad for easy watching, quick morning meals, and family conversations over a late-night snack.

Outdated styles are no fun

When your kitchen is old and not so fashion-friendly, you should consider updating the room with new marble countertops. When you seal the material properly, marble is a durable material that you can use for decades.

Choosing a classic color like white or black lets you set up a timeless design that will boost the value of your home letting you sell it for maximum profit when the counters are properly maintained. The matte finish of some counter materials can change the entire look of the kitchen. Choosing a material that is going to stay in style for a long time is vital if you are planning to sell your home at any point. Sometimes, it is best to save the counter replacement for just before you move out so that you can offer buyers a fresh, clean kitchen that they would be proud to own.

Granite slabs with beautiful veins and striking colors grab the attention of buyers, but so do watermarks, scratches, and bubbles in your stone. When your kitchen is outdated or filled with damaged counters, then you should consider replacing them with an option that is classy, timeless, and durable to give you the most return on your investment. Should you choose to sell your home, new countertops can make or break a sale. People want their kitchen to look and feel spotless, clean, and inviting. Outdated styles and damaged counters turn away potential buyers and make it hard to sell your home. You can get more money for a property that is newly renovated with a modern design.

Structural damage could be harmful in many ways

When your counters are made with stone slabs, they often hold up under tough use, but sometimes these surfaces can crack, chip, peel, break, or stain. Damage to kitchen counters can make the room unsightly, but it can also cause other problems. Granite slabs can scratch and pit when hit with a hard blow from a meat mallet or when cutting meat and vegetables. Pitting can occur causing a hazard for cooks and especially young children. Limestone is a material that can scratch and break away into little particles. Caesarstone quartz is another material that is gaining in popularity because it reflects much of the light produced by fluorescent and LED bulbs, but it requires sealing. When your stone slabs show damage, it may be best to replace them before someone gets a cut or scratch from a jagged edge.

Stains, water damage, and discoloration with kitchen remodeling

Limestone is one of those materials that are extremely susceptible to stains and discoloration. These counters can be difficult to maintain with water and other liquids causing frequent damage that is hard to remove. Marble countertops pose the same issue. Caesarstone quartz countertops and quartzite countertops can stain as well when they are not properly sealed or resealed on a regular schedule. Unsightly stains can create problems with selling a home. People who want to get the most out of their property can gain more of the home value by replacing marble countertops that look dingy and dirty. Just switching out counters can make a massive difference in home appeal when it comes to selling the house.

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

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

Potomac Kitchen and Bath is the best kitchen remodeling company in Falls Church and Sterling, Virginia. We offer many options to customers to choose the best match for their remodeling project with a contemporary style and an affordable budget. You can use “kitchen remodeling company near me” and “bathroom remodeling company near me” to inform about remodeling selection.

Whether this step is for kids, the kitchen is a place with lots of exciting things to watch and experience. Of course, children also want to help and try themselves. What’s in the cabinets and drawers? What can you do with these devices and materials? But watch out. There are many sources of danger for children lurking in the kitchen. If you take into account our tips for a kitchen renovation, you will have a lot of fun in family life in the kitchen, without giving up the little helpers.

Baking, cooking, frying. Children love it when their parents hire them as kitchen helpers. And cooking together is not only fun: children also learn something about food and how to use it correctly.

If you have enough space in the kitchen, you can also set up a play kitchen or attach a practical chalkboard. So the little ones are right in the middle of it all and in good hands, should things get a little more turbulent in between. In kitchen renovation, open kitchens in U-shape or kitchens with a cooking island are perfect for this. Here, seating options can be integrated particularly well to match the kitchen. Let yourself be inspired by our kitchens for the whole family:

With the right equipment, you can make your kitchen child-proof and protect the little ones from danger. Many built-in appliances have child-proof features and are therefore particularly suitable for family kitchens. Here the temperature of the outer oven door remains low and can therefore be safely touched. Induction hobs also offer more safety, as they only develop heat when the pot is on the hob. So after cooking there are no more hot hobs that children can burn themselves on.

There are also practical kitchen accessories that ensure safety in the kitchen, such as child safety gates for the hob and safety devices for doors and drawers. Children find bubbling water and hot steam fascinating. It quickly happens that children’s hands reach the hot pot. A protective grille for the hob ensures that your child does not get on the hot pots or pans.

Of course, knives, scissors, and other sharp kitchen objects do not belong in the hands of children unattended. Fortunately, drawers and cabinet doors are easy to secure. Finger trap protection included! Fuses for drawers are already integrated into the drawer or can be retrofitted. In this way, sharp objects or dangerous liquids can be hidden from children’s hands.

Of course, there is no such thing as a completely child-safe kitchen renovation, but with our 10 tips, you can greatly reduce some of the dangers.

Free space under supervision: In principle, small children should never be in the kitchen without adult supervision. If your child wants to help out in the kitchen, provide him with a safe, enclosed corner. This gives the child the feeling of owning his own kingdom. Here the little chef can play with wooden spoons, pots, and plastic bowls.

Explain it in a fun way: Repeat and playfully demonstrate to your child the dangers in the kitchen.
The kitchen is not a nursery: The most common cause of home accidents is falling. There is a risk of slipping, especially on smooth surfaces splashed with oil or water. Therefore, do not let your child run around the kitchen. Some kitchen furniture invites you to climb. The counter and stove are often used as steps to reach the cabinets. Always keep used stools and ladders out of reach of children after use. This way you make the climbing project more difficult for him.

Safety equipment for the kitchen renovation: There are protective grids for the hob that prevent the pans from tipping over and touching the hot stove. Protective plates for oven windows are also important if they are installed within the reach of the child. Also, secure drawers and doors with safety locks to prevent children from reaching cleaning supplies, knives or other dangerous kitchen utensils. All sockets must also have a child safety device.

Protection from electrical appliances: Electrical appliances such as kettles, blenders or coffee makers should be placed out of the reach of children. Make sure the cables are not dangling. In general, you should be careful when keeping power tools near water. It is best to unplug it after use and put the device somewhere.

Cook carefully: When cooking, you should put pots and pans behind the stove if possible. If they are already full, always turn the pot and pan shape over.

Child-safe height: The oven and dishwasher must always be switched off. If you are planning a new kitchen, it is best to install the oven at a height that is comfortable for your back. Then the children can’t even reach him.

Do not bump into: Sharp edges on cabinets and tables must be secured, for example, with edge/corner protectors made of silicone.
Set the table carefully: When setting up the table, always make sure to place pots and bowls with hot contents in the center of the table. Do not put on a tablecloth. When children tilt the chair, they instinctively try to hold on to something and can destroy everything with it.

Out of reach hazards: The following items should always be kept out of the reach of children and in lockable or secure locations:
Dishwashing, cleaning, and cleaning agents
matches
Spice
Alcoholic beverages
Medication
Small parts that can be swallowed
plastic bags
Sharp knives and other dangerous cutlery
For example, fruit bowls with cherries or nuts. There is a risk of suffocation here.

A well-planned kitchen is a masterpiece of organization and logistics. Kitchen planning requires competence and experience, especially when it functions as a functional kitchen-living room and a meeting place for the whole family. Compared to single or fitted kitchens for two to three-person households, the particular challenge lies primarily in the well-thought-out use of the available space. For cooking with the whole family or for social evenings with friends, enough space at the counter is necessary. It is important to focus on robust variants when choosing the material. Issues such as security and storage space should not be neglected either. So even little kitchen helpers have fun…

The choice of materials for the kitchen planning seems huge and almost endless. However, there are a few issues that need to be considered, especially in heavy-duty and durable kitchens. Facades, trunks, and bench must have one thing in common: solidity. It should also be easy to maintain and as insensitive as possible to bumps and scratches. For example, natural stone countertops made of granite are extremely robust and durable. It also makes the kitchen truly unique with its elegant appearance. Another advantage is hygiene. Thanks to its dense surface structure, the material can be cleaned by wiping it in a short time. The raw material wood immediately conveys an inviting comfort and brings a bit of nature into your own four walls. However, regular maintenance is essential, especially with real wood panels. Countertops and kitchen facades made of laminate are an inexpensive alternative. The design options are virtually endless, very easy to maintain, and extremely durable.

Every kitchen needs careful planning. This takes into account both individual wishes and the size and floor plan. Open kitchen concepts have the advantage of being particularly communicative and promoting community intimacy. Also, everything is always in front of your eyes. This means the smallest family members can easily watch them cook or be called in to help in the kitchen. A large enough work surface is important so that you can cook together without crowds or intrusions. Especially in U-shaped or L kitchens with islands, kitchen solutions offer great advantages here. They make the kitchen a communicative meeting point that also offers ample storage space. The ideal working height makes cooking on the back extremely easy. A learning tower provides the ideal location so that even the youngest can diligently assist.

Outdoor living concepts are very popular. Open kitchens are particularly family-friendly. They offer lots of space and a good overview. Safety is an important issue, especially in homes with young children. However, this can be achieved in an instant with simple methods. For example, stove guards prevent children from pulling anything from the stove and injuring or scalding themselves when unsupervised. Additional covers for keys and buttons make unattended opening impossible. Drawers and cabinet fuses protect little explorers from accessing dangerous content. Slow-closing drawers prevent children from pinching their fingers. The refrigerator can also be made childproof with an additional latch. All small appliances, such as toasters, kettles, or food processors, should be placed in such a way that the power cords are not in the hands of children.

A bathroom in dark tones provides an elegant room atmosphere. A well-thought-out lighting concept and the right accents are essential to bringing out the color well. You can find ideas and suggestions on this subject in this guide.

How do you design a bathroom in dark tones?

A dark bathroom is often characterized by its expressiveness and offers a high-quality ambiance. This is why dark color is mostly used in luxury bathrooms and in combination with marble tiles. Although the color carries an elegant room atmosphere, the bathroom design is assertive. Because a dark bathroom absorbs a lot of light and depends on the appropriate contrasts for a harmonious overall picture.

A well-thought-out lighting concept is especially important when planning your dark bathroom. Large windows are advantageous because no other light source is as strong as normal daylight. Even daylight from a cloudy sky reaches a light intensity of 20,000 lux. It even provides 100,000 lux in a cloudless summer sky. You should definitely add large windows for the lighting concept to such bathrooms that get enough light.

Harmonious contrasts and accents are also very important for bathroom design. A completely dark bathroom is often overwhelming, so you need to separate it from other colors. For example, accessories in white, gold, or gray create harmonious accents. Also in a dark bathroom, bathroom furniture, contours, and walls are often kept in other colors.

Bathroom in gold and black

A combination of black and gold is ideal for a luxury bathroom with a classically elegant atmosphere. Here, too, light plays a major role – as incoming daylight is reflected by the golden elements and mirror surfaces. For this reason, gold forms a special accent here.

With gold and black bathroom, most of your bathroom furnishings are typically black. For example, while the washbasin, bathroom furniture, and floor tiles are dark, golden contours create a contrast. If you design your bathroom with marble, it creates a particularly high-quality ambiance.

Bathroom in gray-black

If you want to use a darker contrast for your bathroom in black, then gray color is suitable. Because the bathroom absorbs a lot of light as a result, you should pay special attention to the lighting concept. Large mirror surfaces in particular will help you with this. They reflect the light and increase the brightness in the room.

For a gray-black bathroom, black is particularly suitable as an accent color. For example, if tiles and walls are a darker shade of gray, keep bathroom ceramics, fittings, and furniture, and outlines, black.

In principle, you can also bring in additional colors in a gray-black bathroom. Here, for example, elements with a wood-look are ideal. Even small wooden accessories that you place on your washbasin or bathtub give the room an additional, harmonious contrast. There are few limits to your ideas.

Bathroom with black bathroom ceramics

In many cases, white bathrooms are fitted with black bathroom ceramics. A predominantly black bathroom is out of the question – the contrast between light walls or tiles and the black bathroom ceramics creates an elegant bathroom interior. Black bathroom furniture, for example, provides the right expressiveness in a bright marble environment and creates eye-catching accents.

In order to create the contrast in black and white, you do not have to rely on black bathroom ceramics or black bathroom furniture for your bathroom design. Faucets, ceramics such as the washbasin or the bathtub can also be white and then develop their expressiveness in combination with black floor tiles or dark walls.

In this article, you will find information on how to design and furnish a country kitchen depending on your preferences, your spatial situation, and the way you cook. Here you can find out how to maintain the functionality of your kitchen and what options for kitchen furniture are available.

Country kitchens impress with their warm and cozy appearance. Natural materials such as wood and stone, warm colors, and playful decorative elements give this kitchen style its special touch.

In the traditional sense, the kitchen in the country house is an open kitchen-living room with a large dining table that serves as a meeting place for family and friends. Kitchens in country house design, therefore, develop their homely charm above all in larger rooms.

In smaller rooms, country kitchens in the English or Scandinavian style are popular. Decorative elements should be used sparingly here so that the kitchen does not look too cluttered.

The fronts of country kitchens are often kept in light and natural colors and wood tones. Classic styles are available in white, cream, magnolia, or wood, among other colors. Modern country kitchens are also available in other colors such as light green, dark blue, gray, or black.

The fronts of the furniture are often available in a matt finish. You rarely find high-gloss fronts there. Frame fronts or fronts with a cassette look are also very popular.

Other typical details are cornices or moldings on the wall units, shelves or cupboards with glass doors, top cupboards, free-standing kitchen buffets, and decorative elements made of brass or copper.

The matching cabinet handles round off the style. Depending on your taste, the handles are kept simple or deliberately set accents.

Wooden worktops bring additional warmth into your kitchen. Modern country kitchens often also have worktops made of natural stone or natural stone look.

With the right mixer, you can optimize the look of the country house kitchen. Classic fittings are usually made of brass or copper. Modern variants convince with their simple style.

Country kitchen in white

Country kitchens are available in many different designs and colors. Often these kitchens have cabinet fronts in white.

White country kitchens look friendly and bright. They impress with their timeless, neutral look. The white fronts of the kitchen cabinets give the cozy look of the kitchen an elegant effect. They are particularly suitable for small or dark rooms, as they make them appear larger and brighter.

Create contrasts by combining the white kitchen front with colored elements such as home textiles or accessories. Warm colors that radiate coziness and underline the style of your kitchen are well suited for this. Or combine, for example, blue furniture with the white kitchen front. This is how you give the kitchen a fresh, maritime touch.

Modern country kitchen

They are often associated with ornate elements and playful designs. Manufacturers have further developed this style, so thas are now also available in a modern style.

Modern country kitchens convince through the combination of a cozy atmosphere, contemporary materials, and high-quality electrical appliances. The modern country kitchen looks clear and cool compared to the classic variant. The furniture usually has no playful fronts or ornate details.

The design of the modern country kitchen is often done in light, neutral white, gray or pastel tones. Strong colors such as black are also popular designs.

Handles and elements are straight and often made of stainless steel. Handleless fronts can also be found in modern country-style kitchens.

The modern kitchens in Scandinavian style are popular. This variant likes to use neutral white and gray tones. The panel fronts of the furniture are usually kept straightforward and minimalist.

Country kitchen with kitchen island

Country kitchens with a kitchen or cooking island combine a cozy look with high functionality. In addition to the cozy, homely atmosphere, you benefit from plenty of storage space and a generous work surface.

In addition, cooking islands shorten the way to work when cooking. All areas of your kitchen can be reached quickly here, some with just a turn of the body. Cooking with several people is also possible in this spacious kitchen variant.

Country kitchens with cooking islands or kitchen islands are ideal for larger eat-in kitchens. The island creates structure and provides a visual separation of the living area and kitchen.

Which worktop is suitable for the country kitchen?

Natural materials such as wood and natural stone are particularly suitable as worktops for country kitchens. As an alternative to natural materials, there are inexpensive and easy-care replicas such as laminate or mineral material and quartz composite.

Wooden worktops radiate warmth and comfort and perfectly underline the character of the country kitchen.

Countertops made of natural stone are also very popular in country-style kitchens. Materials such as granite, marble, slate, or limestone are used here.

Laminate or laminate countertops are inexpensive and come in many different designs. This makes it easy to find the right worktop for every style and taste.

As a replacement for a natural stone plate, worktops made of mineral material or quartz composite, so-called artificial stones, are often used. These materials have the hardness of real stone, they are easy to care for and available in different colors.

Depending on your preferences, your spatial situation, and the way you cook, a different kitchen units shape or a combination of different shapes will suit you. In order to find the right kitchen unit shape for you, you can ask yourself the following questions at the beginning:

How big should your new kitchen be?
How much space do you need?
How do you cook? Together or rather alone?
How big is the room for the new kitchen?
Is the kitchen purely a place of work or do you linger there?
Each of the forms has different advantages and disadvantages. In this article, you will find out which shape is best suited for which ideas and wishes.

Single-line kitchen units or kitchenette

The one-row kitchen stands in the room like a football team before kick-off: everything in a row and ready for lots of action. And like football, this type of kitchen is also a favorite with the public. And rightly so, because the single-row kitchen is flexible and adapts to requirements: from space-saving to generous, from inconspicuous to accentuated. But she’s not a team player – more than 2 people shouldn’t cook here.

The single-row kitchen is often found in small rooms, but it basically fits into any room as it only takes up one wall. Narrow, long rooms are her specialty. Lately they have often been found again in eat-in kitchens where value is placed on a spacious dining area. Because the single-row kitchen is very space-saving and can be integrated quite inconspicuously into the living room if necessary.

Two-line kitchen units

Two areas under one roof – this kitchen makes it possible. It is something for purists who work on one side and want to keep dishes and cooking utensils clean on the other side of the kitchen. And it also appeals to those who like open shelves and want to give the kitchen a homely flair. It fits in every room, and depending on its size, it is suitable for the single to the family clan.

Two rows on opposite walls, this kitchen shape fits almost every room. Even for long rooms with opposite doors. It is great for those starting a household, can still be found in many student apartments and is easy to set up. It is popular to equip one row with the electrical appliances and the matching wall cabinets. The other side can be used with tall cabinets, a loose arrangement of base cabinet and upper elements is possible. There is almost always room for a dining area for two in the two-row kitchen.

L-shaped kitchen units or corner kitchens

An L-shaped kitchen consists of two connected kitchen units (legs). These are often placed in a corner of the room (hence their time name “corner kitchen”). When planning an L-shaped kitchen, other variants are also possible.

This kitchen shape is suitable for almost every room. For small, narrow rooms, for longwall fronts anyway, and large open kitchens get that special pizzazz with it. Because here it is not always said along the wall that one leg of the L is built freely into the room as a room divider, a dining bar, or an open or closed shelf for dishes and glasses.

U-shaped kitchen units

Incredible storage space, endless work surfaces, unhindered cooking pleasure. The U-shaped kitchen saves space among the traditional variants. Every electrical appliance desired has its place, tall cabinets can be placed and the weekly supply of food can also be stored directly in the kitchen. If you have always dreamed of a large kitchen, you will feel right at home here.

G-shaped kitchen units

A G-shaped kitchen has very similar advantages to a U-shaped kitchen. The difference lies in another leg that serves as a room divider. The classic arrangement of a G-shaped kitchen is that three walls are covered with kitchen units, which are supplemented by another, open leg in the room.

Island kitchens: kitchens with a cooking island

Off to the island! The kitchen island is THE trend in kitchen planning. No wonder: because a cooking island fits – assuming the appropriate room size – to almost any other kitchen shape and thus provides even more space, work surface, and storage space. In addition, the cooking island is ideal for cooking together, a popular gathering place at parties, or an oversized sideboard for lavish meals. A kitchen island is a free-standing element in kitchen planning. Depending on the space, size, and wishes, the kitchen island accommodates both a sink and a stove, just one of the two or serves as a pure work surface. The currently very popular hobs with integrated extractor hoods, for example, are very often found on kitchen islands.

The trend color black does not stop at the kitchen equipment either. Black kitchen furniture does not look boring at all but gives every kitchen a very special touch that whets the appetite for more. The color offers countless design options to make every black kitchen a very special room. Discover the diversity of colors and be inspired by the black kitchen trend.

The color effect of black

For a long time black was associated with associations such as darkness or lack of light. But black is becoming more and more popular as a trend color – especially in kitchen design – and so its symbolism is also increasingly changing. The color black is also associated with stylish elegance, dignity and prestige. There is also a certain mysticism associated with the color black. It also represents a solemn and at the same time classic character. It is also used in many cultures to keep evil away and thus has an increasingly positive color effect in society.

The spatial effect of black

In the room itself, the color black increases the perceived elegance and grandeur. Especially with black kitchen furniture or a black wall color, accessories can be accentuated much more and their decorative character is emphasized. Strictly speaking, black is actually not a real color and thus black emphasizes the effect of an otherwise colored facility in a room enormously in a positive direction, but without crushing the colors or taking their power away.

These colors go well with black

The color black is considered to be the ideal combination color. Mixed with the basic colors red, yellow or blue, these get a darker, but still more homely and above all warm effect. For example, petrol tones can be achieved by mixing black, yellow and blue, which give the room a certain depth and elegance. Light natural colors such as cream or beige also go perfectly with black. The natural tones appear very intense and extremely noble. Smaller decorative finds or black kitchen utensils are sufficient as a contrast to the lighter wall. A particularly interesting contrast arises when black meets white: a refined stylistic device when designing a kitchen with black and white kitchen furniture.

These materials and finishes go well with black

Due to the high and diverse combination options with regard to the colors that match black, there are also many materials and surfaces that can be ideally combined with black. Black furniture goes very well with a light stone floor made of marble or maple wood. Likewise glossy surfaces, for example for kitchen cabinets, but also the dining table are particularly emphasized by the effect of black. Black marble, granite or slate, for example as a worktop with a few bright elements, give the kitchen equipment a very modern look with a design look. Gold-plated fittings or accessories in brass or copper are given an exclusive and very sophisticated touch in combination with a dark to black granite slab for cutting and cooking. A modern cork floor in connection with a painted wall in black brings a lot of calm into the kitchen and is also very easy to clean. Lighter tiles, which give the kitchen furnishings a cool and at the same time light touch, are also suitable for this.

This furnishing style goes well with black

The color black is also widely used in retro style. Typically colorful elements with unusual prints or large patterns can be skillfully staged in a black kitchen or in front of a black wall. In the kitchen in particular, the style appears less childlike and more varied and yet stylish.

Especially in the kitchen area, older pieces of furniture or sinks with minor signs of use are often used for the perfect vintage style. Simple black decorative elements or black background in a matt look looks very clean and just as elegant, but without taking away the effect of the old-looking style. Kitchen fronts made of dark woods such as smoked oak or kitchen handles with a blackened metal look underline the vintage look of a kitchen.

Read this guide on how to clean your kitchen properly and hygienically clean cabinets and surfaces. Get valuable tips on which cleaning agents work best for cleaning.

How do you get the kitchen fat-free?

You can remove grease residues on kitchen fronts, tile mirrors and other surfaces in the kitchen with simple home remedies. A mixture of lemon and vinegar essence is an effective solution. To do this, put lemon wedges and vinegar essence in a tightly sealed container and let it stand for at least a week. Before use, shake the amount well again and apply the mixture to the affected areas either with a cleaning cloth or with a spray bottle.

Another option for particularly stubborn spots is baking soda. First moisten the area to be cleaned well with water and sprinkle the baking powder evenly on it. After a short exposure time, you can simply wipe the surface with a little water and a cleaning cloth and thus remove grease residues.

Clean kitchen fronts properly

The type of cleaning in the kitchen depends heavily on the surface material. If your cabinets have melamine resin fronts, for example, cleaning is comparatively easier: With a soft cloth, a little lukewarm water and washing-up liquid, soiling can be quickly removed from cabinetss and kitchen fronts. With melamine resin fronts, however, refrain from polishes, cleaners with solvent components and steam cleaners.

High-gloss furniture looks noble and stylish, because it often gives modern kitchens the finishing touches. High-gloss fronts are not only chic, they are also very sensitive. Nevertheless, cleaning and maintaining high-gloss kitchens are easier than many people assume.

Tip: Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and rub them dry without applying too much pressure. In general: Always plaster damp first and not too intensively, but rather regularly after each use. The sensitivity of the surface depends on the material in question.

Note: In any case, avoid aggressive cleaning agents and microfiber cloths. The latter can cause scratches on the material when cleaning – just like scouring sponges or polishing. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean kitchen cabinets and countertop

The best way to clean the kitchen cabinets is with a damp cloth. Use some glass or household cleaner to complement it. Keep moisture and moisture away from the inside of the closet as much as possible and be careful not to wipe with excessively wet cloths. After cleaning, dry the cabinets to prevent moisture from finding its way into the joints and causing the furniture to swell.

Similar rules apply to the countertop: Always dry off any water residue immediately. Avoid scratches and scuffs on the countertop by using cutting boards and avoiding hot pots and pans on the worktop.

When cleaning your glass ceramic hob, keep the following basic rule in mind: Clean the hob with a damp cloth, water and washing-up liquid after each use. Using a steam cleaner is also a gentle cleaning method. Remove any leftover dirt, as it can burn in the next time you use the hob.

Tip: If there is any incrustation, scrape it off with a glass scraper. Proceed carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The same applies if you want to remove persistent dirt or limescale stains.