There are many reasons to consider remodeling your kitchen or bathroom using granite or natural stone. Granite countertops are capable of withstanding almost any kind of abuse – you won’t run into the problems typically associated with synthetic materials. Investing in natural stone countertops serves as a one-time fix.
A natural stone fabricator can cut a slab of stone to any size to fit your bathroom, kitchen, countertop, or flooring inside or outside your home. With stone countertops you can avoid major stains or mildew damage. You also get an endless amount of choices to get the perfect look for your space.
Alpha Stone can help you sculpt your dream kitchen or bathroom with ease. Granite countertops and floor tiling can improve the appearance and cleanliness of your bathroom. Natural stone countertops are available in many different colors and patterns. Also, to make each pattern unique, you will find floor tiling, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, vanities, and decorations to match the theme of your choice. No matter what your home remodeling needs are, they can be met with ease and satisfaction with the help of our highly rated professionals.
When considering what type of stone to use for your home, kitchen, or bathroom countertop, it is wise to understand the quality of each stone. You should choose a stone that can handle the type of activities that you envision taking place in the particular area of your home. For instance, your bathroom will be subject to large amounts of water, chemicals, and moisture. Additionally, your kitchen will be subject to large amounts of heat and sharp objects against countertop surfaces. For this reason, a natural stone that is both durable and low-maintenance can help you with your daily needs.

Benefits of Natural Stones

Natural stone countertops, such as marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, soapstone, quartz, or granite can resist heat and water over prolonged periods of time. In fact, natural stone is a durable material that does a better job of deterring water damage than your average synthetic materials. Cleaning natural stone countertops is simple, and easy. All you need is soap and water. You do not have to worry about stains, scratching or breaking. Granite countertops are always sealed before being installed. This sealing protects the stone from chemicals, added moisture, and heat, all of which easily damage other, untreated materials.

Replacing Broken Tiles with Natural Stone

Why not replace broken or mildew-ridden floor tiles in your bathroom? Over time, when large amounts of water, moisture, and chemicals come into contact with a surface they cause countertops and tiles to deteriorate. This can create a sequence of events and issues that cause you to struggle with your bathroom. You can decrease the amount of maintenance and repair needed in a specific area through choosing long-lasting natural stone tiles for your flooring. Your bathroom remodeling ideas can be taken to the next level when you contact bathroom remodeling professionals right here in Virginia.

The bathroom is generally the area of the house that deteriorates the fastest due to moisture damage. It is susceptible to mildew damage, which is very expensive to repair over time. Moisture in the bathroom can cause your floor tiles to break and become very unsanitary. Replacing broken tiles with natural stone is also a smart decision because it can enhance the hygienic aspects of your bathroom.

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most complicated home improvement projects to do because of the amount of detail that is involved. Not only do you have to worry about plumbing in your bathroom, but also you want to choose a bathroom design that conserves space. This will prove essential to the overall success of your bathroom. Granite countertops and matching floor tiles will give your bathroom an elegant appeal. Granite is the second strongest stone in the world. With it, your bathroom is sure to have a long life.

There is nothing worse than feeling like your bathroom is falling apart when you are trying to get clean and prepare yourself for each day. So why not remove all the worry and frustration by replacing broken tiles and that old countertop, and even upgrading the showers and sinks in your bathroom. You can make everything match and flow when you choose natural stone fabricators. They can tend to your every need: finding the perfect cut of stone, getting it cut to a specific edge in a minimal amount of time, and installing the perfect natural stone countertop and floor tiles. In the end, this can make you feel better about your home with less hassle and worry.

Is there a particular kitchen layout that works well for families?

Large open-plan kitchens are so popular for families as everyone can be together whilst doing their own thing. So while parents are prepping food, they can be keeping an eye on the children playing or doing homework. 

Ideally, you would have an area for children to play in that’s separate from the cooking area too – island units and peninsulas will provide a natural divide and stop children running through when you are cooking.

Breakfast bars and island units are a popular choice as they are spacious and allow the family to cook together. Even at a young age, there is room for young children to help prep food at an island or breakfast bar and become involved.

For families that are slightly more limited on space and can’t have the popular island unit, we recommend that you incorporate a peninsula like the one below, so you can create the kitchen diner experience for your family. Seating next to the kitchen is ideal for young children to do homework under parents’ watchful eyes!

Kitchen by Zara Kitchen Design

In terms of finishes to cupboards and doors, do you have any advice for families with young children? 

Gloss units are a good option for young families – not only do they look modern but they are easy to wipe down and clean. Matt laminate is a great choice too as you can also get anti-fingerprint finishes which is perfect if you have small children.

In terms of style, a flat handleless door is a good option as again it’s easy to clean with fewer places for food and dirt to get trapped! There are still so many families that choose the shaker kitchen style as it looks so homely, just bare in mind that they need a bit more maintenance than a modern kitchen.

Kitchen by Zara Kitchen Design

Are there particular surfaces that take more wear and are childproof?

Quartz is a popular choice as it’s both stain and scratch resistant and comes in a range of options in price. Natural stones such as marble look beautiful but are more prone to staining, so are not the best option for young families or if you do a lot of entertaining. Worktops such as wood require maintenance in order to stop watermarks, so again not the easiest option for a family unless you are prepared to oil it regularly.

What appliances are the safest when you have a young family? 

Induction hobs are a must-have in any young family kitchen – there are no naked flames and only the pan gets hot, so there will be no residual heat around the hob area. They also heat up far quicker than gas so are a time saver for busy families!

Built-in ovens at eye level are also very practical as there is less opportunity for a toddler to try and open the oven door or play around with the knobs and switches. Also, think about incorporating a hot water tap which is safer than a kettle and looks much more streamlined and fuss-free.

Kitchen by Zara Kitchen Design

Do you have any tips that make the kitchen safer for children? 

Choose a handleless kitchen where there are no knobs or handles to get caught on. This look is so popular right now and looks great in a modern kitchen.

Soft corners and edges on worktops are a great idea, especially when you have toddlers running around, and also remember to leave plenty of room for children to move through the kitchen easily!

Is there anything else I should consider when designing a family-friendly kitchen?

Remember that the kitchen should be fun in a family home, so include the children in the process. When children are given the choice they go for bright colors while the parents will ultimately go for something more subtle. But you can take inspiration from your children and be playful and creative by adding pops of color or a quirky design element!

Granite has remained a popular countertop choice for kitchens and bathrooms since the 1980s when designer Deborah Sussman renovated a kitchen with granite countertops, and the New York Times described it as “down-to-earth.” The consequent decades lead to a vast improvement in manufacturing and export processes, increasing global affordability and putting it in direct competition with marble.

This natural stone outshines marble when it comes to durability. It’s hardy, solid, and less porous. Did we mention it’s not nearly as prone to stains and etching? Granite is low maintenance and easy to clean, making it suitable for spaces like busy communal kitchens and bathrooms.

At Potomac Kitchen & Bath, we have many varieties to suit every decor taste and interior style. You’ll come across a wide selection of granite countertop colors that can be cut to any desired shape and size. These include classic and new styles, with some stone types that even look exactly like marble for diehard fans.

Are granite countertops outdated? As industry experts, we can assure you that granite countertops remain a pragmatic and popular choice, especially for bathrooms and kitchens that are frequented and used by many. To find out more, take a look at our thorough analysis of this year’s kitchen countertop trends, including the best granite colors for the 2021-2022 season.

Along with our wide variety of stones, you’ll find a substantial selection of color options for granite slabs. These include classic styles and a regular influx of new styles for you to choose from. If you want to keep on-trend, we have all the colors you can imagine, and all the popular granite colors being used by interior designers right now.

For the top granite colors and unmatched prices, Potomac Kitchen & Bath  is here for you. We also know what’s on-trend – so be sure to take a look at our analysis of this year’s trend and the best granite colors for the 2021-2022 season below!

TOP-3 TRENDS IN GRANITE KITCHEN COUNTERTOP DESIGN 2021-2022

The most popular granite colors in 2021 continue to dominate 2022 design trends; white granite countertops and neutral finishes or warm wooden cupboards, and black granite kitchen countertops complimented by gold fittings for the bold. Currently, there are three major stand-out trends that are adaptable to most tastes.

NEUTRAL TONES

Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, neutral tones remain popular. However, there’s a move away from all-white kitchens to those with light countertops complimented by warmer tones of brown or gold and copper accents, i.e., wooden cupboards and flooring stools or gold light fixtures.

Neutral tones don’t date as quickly and can be easily updated with bright decor elements, bright backsplashes, or a slick coat of new wall paint. Light countertops make kitchens look cleaner and brighter. White, cream, or even light blue and gray granite countertops offer an understated yet classic look that pairs well with any wood.

HONED/MATTE FINISH

Honed granite provides a matte surface with a low sheen, preferable to the stereotypical glossiness and high reflectivity associated with polished granite. It offers a softer and more natural look while still retaining the character of the natural stone. Color enhancers can be added to honed stone for increased depth and richness.

This granite effect comes in satin, velvet diamond, and smooth matte finishes. To achieve this look, manufacturers stop the finishing process before the stone surface becomes shiny, leaving it with a matte or satin appearance. It looks different on every stone sample yet consistently delivers a smooth look, bringing out natural patterns.

VEINS AND PATTERNS

While pure white granite kitchen countertops are still trending, there’s a move towards veining and patterns. Stones with natural character are more appealing to the contemporary eye than the blank kitchen countertops of yore. Most granite countertops are packed with rich, naturally forming patterns that make every kitchen and bathroom surface look unique.

Veining can be subtle or dramatic and make the color of hardware pop when paired with the right hues. Certain types of white granite look similar to marble and are repeatedly chosen as an alternative to the former stone as they provide the same look but require less maintenance.

POPULAR GRANITE COLORS THIS 2021-2022 SEASON

White, black, blue, and gold are the most popular granite colors this season. This neutral and versatile palette offers limitless opportunities to play with interior design in terms of texture and color. At Granite Selection, we stock a massive selection of trending stone colors suited to all interiors.

WHITE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

White granite kitchen countertops embody refinement and elegance. Color-wise they offer the most compatibility and look stylish on top of almost any kitchen cupboard color. While it’s impossible to purchase “pure” white slabs, their flecks and irregular markings add to their unique character. They come in various shades, making it easy to find a stone that suits your design preferences.

1. Andromeda White Granite

Andromeda White granite provides an ultra-modern look, offering a subtle variation from pure white countertops. This speckled white and beige stone has gray veins, as well as small streaks and black grain throughout. It’s effortlessly dynamic and suits traditional and modern kitchens.

It’s used for mosaic, fountains, pool and wall capping, stairs, window sills, and of course, kitchen countertops. Furthermore, it’s the preferred stone for bakers and food content creators as its light surface contrast with darker colors. The mid-level variation present within the stone provides texture and character to all-white kitchens without detracting from neutral design palettes.

2. Colonial White Granite

This off-white granite has brown and rose-colored flakes, with smokey gray patches accented by dark black speckles. Many have commented its markings look similar to the patterns found in cookies and cream ice cream. The granules in Colonial White granite are generally less than 0.5 centimeters, providing relatively even subtle and even patterning.

As a vanilla-colored stone, it works well with dark and light kitchens. In light spaces, it creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and complements darker spaces. It’s an attractive option if you’re a fan of white countertops with light wooden cabinets but prefer something warmer than cold, white tones.

3. Alaska White Granite

Alaska White granite contains denser amounts of Onyx dispersed throughout the stone than Colonial and Andromeda White granite, making it the most dramatic of the three white granite varieties. These gray patches vary in color and size and compose between 40-50% of the stone’s mass.

Its uneven patterns of white and silver with large swirls of gray and black gives it a modern, eclectic feel. This cool, icy granite works well with white, black, blue, brown, and gray cabinets. Its pale silver and frosty whites are underscored by less uniform tints of brown, varying from light to dark.

BLACK GRANITE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Black provides a bold and dramatic touch to any kitchen. Granite countertops with flecks of gold or white veins are genuinely eye-catching in comparison to classic, all-white countertops. From dark Nordic Black granite to glittering Black Galaxy granite that mimics gazing up at the stars, here are our most popular granite countertops in black.

4. Nordic Black Granite

Nordic Black granite is a homogenous stone with a large mineral structure that refracts light due to the mega crystals lying just below the surface. It contains tightly interlocking, metallic-colored grains and white veins that never fail to impress. Strong and durable, it makes a striking statement whether placed on top of light or dark cupboards.

This sophisticated granite stone has low variations with shallow depth and is subtle enough to blend with other granite patterns. It pairs beautifully with gold and copper accents. Functional and fashionable, it contains black, onyx, and charcoal colors that are lightly accentuated with pale grays and charcoals.

5. Desert Dream Granite

While considerably more pricey, Desert Dream is a premium granite stone exuding opulence. Its exquisite combination of black, gray, cream, burnt orange and gold patterning makes it one of the most stylish granite stones available. Durable and stunning, it instantly elevates kitchens and bathrooms into designer spaces, especially when combined with gold or copper finishes.

Intense and dramatic, Desert Dream is the type of stone that can act as a bold accent in a neutral kitchen or something more subtle in a moodier environment. Durable and resistant, it’s ideal for those wanting drastic bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops.

6. Black Galaxy Granite

Black Galaxy granite is a newer stone that became popular for its durability and beauty in the last 40 years or so. Due to bronzite deposits, its copper, gold, and white flecks shine radiantly when exposed to light. This stone produces a powerful visual statement and is often used in staircases, flooring, and countertops.

Like all granite, it fares well in high-traffic areas and is low maintenance. Black Galaxy has a deep black background, with greenish/black shading and occasionally a bit of white in the background. Its metallic flecks are better accentuated when highly polished, but the stone also looks beautiful with a matte finish.

BLUE GRANITE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Blue granite kitchen countertops provide a sense of calm in exterior spaces. Often compared to the ocean, their swirling patterns evoke dynamic movement on kitchen surfaces and add tranquility to bathrooms. Their color intensity and patterns range from deeply saturated blues and strong veins to lighter and more muted tones, depending on what look you’re after.

7. Amadeus Granite

Dominated by black and gray with beautiful dark red and green shades, Amadeus is a medium-grained granite stone. It’s ideal for those desiring kitchen countertops with darker markings. Like a musical overture, its dramatic veining swirls and flows across its surface, generating a dense pattern that almost looks as though it’s moving water.

Amadeus granite adds splendor and flow to otherwise static countertop surfaces. It’s a creative option for large spaces as its kinetic sweeps of blue tones against a pale background can be overbearing for smaller spaces unless you want a statement countertop.

8. Blue Pearl Granite

Pearl Blue Granite’s distinct markings look a bit like short brush marks. It contains a large percentage of duck-egg blue blotches against a dark gray to a black background. As coarse-grained granite, its feldspar crystals reflect light causing an iridescently magical effect that mimics mother-of-pearl.

This captivating stone with blue overtones is an eye-catching alternative to black and white granite. Distinctive and rare, Blue Pearl does have varying undertones. Its pattern is not always densely packed; certain areas of the stone may have lighter blue textures than others contributing to its dazzling look and feel.

9. Brass Blue Granite

Admired from afar, Brass Blue granite reads like an aerial view of large sea swells. It has a dark background with white patches and smaller swirls of gray and black. It is a medium variation granite stone whose various sized blue veins running across its surface produce a deep elegant pattern accentuated by sharp fragments.

This beautiful granite has a cool undertone that works well in most interiors, especially for those who are fond of blue. It is suitable for interior and exterior applications. Brass Blue granite also contrasts with gold and copper fixtures, whereas brass fixtures and decor accessories will bring out its natural tones.

GOLD GRANITE COLORS

Statement gold home accessories and accents remain trendy this season. Gold granite colors complement both white and moodier kitchens, especially those kitchen cupboards of the black and dark green variety. Gold granite is a top choice for those who like warmer tones like cream, yellow, brown, and ocher hues remain consistent in most gold granite colors.

10. Almond Gold Granite

This stone has amber hues accented by rich nut-brown and umber. Some even notice tinges of green within its genial glow. It features a “chunk” effect throughout as opposed to veins and waves. Almond Gold blends well with wooden countertops, warm interiors, and more traditional design aesthetics.

Even though gold is bold, the speckles don’t override other design elements and can soften a metallic-looking space. This deep-colored stone enriches homes as its light colors boost the energy within a kitchen, living area, or bathroom. It’s one of those popular granite colors that has seen increased popularity of late due to current muted tone design trends.

The party is at your house—and specifically, in your kitchen. Ever notice how no matter the size of your kitchen countertop, that’s where everyone gathers? A home can have an ample dining room and living area, but a crowd will choose to congregate around a kitchen countertop.Size is certainly not a prerequisite for a great entertaining kitchen—though square footage will determine whether you can include features like an island or butler’s pantry, if you’re not the cook for your parties. When designing a kitchen that functions as an effective entertaining space, it’s all about the specialty features that are integrated in the space to make serving food and beverage easy.Before you begin your kitchen renovation, seriously review how you use your current kitchen and set goals for your remodel. This way, you can stay on track as you make important decisions about floor plan, appliances, cabinetry and more.

Questions to Ask:

• What kind of events do you host (casual, formal, buffet, sit-down, etc)?
• How many people do you generally entertain at one time?
• How do you serve food? Do guests serve themselves in the kitchen or do you plate food and serve it in another space?
• Do you cook food yourself, or do you hire caterers for parties?
• Is cooking part of the entertainment (as in cooking clubs)?
• How many people cook at one time while you entertain?

Features:

Sleek appliances. You probably don’t need to purchase the professional grade equipment unless you plan to seriously cook for guests. “I encounter a lot of clients that never cook but they like to entertain in the kitchen, and I usually get appliances that are good quality—they look beautiful and they work well,” says Jorge Castillo of Jorge Castillo Designs in Miami, Fla., and Shaker Heights, Ohio. Stainless steel is a priority for most homeowners, and it’s practically a necessity at resale.Point-of-service refrigeration. Refrigerator drawers and specialty units, such as wine coolers, give the host and guests better access to beverages and foods waiting to be served.Warming drawers. A must for entertainers for keeping food warm and maintaining its quality.Double dishwashers. Secondary dishwashers might be drawer configuration or half-size, or full-size depending on the type of entertaining you do.Flat-screen television. You’ll sacrifice storage space for a flat-screen in the kitchen, but if your often entertain during sports events, for example, and the kitchen is where your crew likes to hang out, then this “appliance” is a necessity.Island. “This doesn’t always work—it depends on the space you are working with,” warns Castillo.Raised countertops. An island or peninsula with a raised countertop can hide dishes and serve as a cooking station on the “lower” host side, and on the higher portion, give guests a surface to gather around in the kitchen. It can serve as a snack bar, the dining table or just a place to lean and set down beverages.Catering workspace. If you tend to bring in catering staff and you have the space to build a butler’s pantry equipped with key appliances (oven, warming drawer, sink, dish washer, refrigeration).

Other Considerations:

• Glass cabinets to show off beautiful dishware
• Wine cooler
• Espresso machine/high-end coffee maker
• Glass range exhaust hood so views are not blocked
• Wet bars in the media center with compact appliances

Whether in the kitchen or in the bathroom: the kitchen faucet on the sink controls the flow of water on the tap and ensures the desired temperature by mixing cold and warm water from two lines. Before you get a new faucet, however, you should check whether there is a boiler in the area. You can often find it under the sink in the kitchen. To process water from the boiler, you need a low-pressure tap.

To replace an old faucet with a new one, the water supply from both lines must first be interrupted. Then you loosen the old faucet at its connections and remove it before you attach the new faucet and seals to the sink and fasten the connections. Finally, you check whether the connections are really tight.

Note: If you live in a rented apartment, you should discuss the replacement of the tap with the landlord, if necessary. In some cases, the built-in fittings are part of the rented apartment equipment – then you are not allowed to replace them without prior consultation.

In order to be able to carry out the exchange safely, do not forget to turn off the corner valves on your wall so that no water can run in. Loosen the flexible hoses on the angle valve with an open-ended spanner or an English wrench.

Note: There may still be residual water in the hoses. To make sure that there is no more water running, you can also turn off the main tap.

The fitting is screwed to the bottom with a nut that you can easily loosen by hand. In order to be able to remove the faucet upwards, you have to unscrew one of the two flexible hoses upwards, otherwise, you will not be able to turn the nut off the hoses. Now all you have to do is pull the fitting out of the sink and unscrew the second flexible hose as well. You can reuse the two hoses for installing the new faucet.

Prepare your new fitting for installation by first inserting the sealing ring. This way the water does not run through the mounting hole. First screw in the blue-marked flexible hose for cold water, which is usually on the right, and then place the mixer on the sink. Then thread the second flexible hose for the hot water through the lock nut. Put the nut over the hose that has already been installed and screw it on together with the rubber buffer from below.

Then you screw the hot water hose to the faucet from above and screw on the lock nut by hand until the faucet is firmly seated. In the next step, you screw the flexible hoses back onto the angle valves. Make sure that the hoses are not kinked or twisted and tighten the nuts with an open-end wrench. Turn the corner valves back on and turn on the water.

You can find out here the advantages and disadvantages of high-gloss kitchen cabinets. We will also show you how the different materials work and how you can best clean them.

How do high-gloss kitchen cabinets work?

High-gloss kitchen cabinets reflect the light. This makes them look particularly bright.

The glossy surface of the high-gloss kitchen reflects light. This applies to both kitchen lighting and daylight. These lively reflections create an optical depth. They brighten up every room.

Small kitchens in particular benefit from this effect. Light-colored materials are also recommended. In addition, a high-gloss kitchen looks luxurious and exclusive.

Before you decide on a high-gloss kitchen, however, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of a high-gloss kitchen cabinets

The kitchen space looks bigger. This effect comes about through the reflective surfaces. The effect is particularly strong with white kitchen fronts.
High-gloss kitchen cabinets are timelessly elegant and look high-quality.
The fronts are easy to care for and can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid.
A high-gloss kitchen can be combined very well with other furniture and materials. The fronts look particularly good together with built-in devices with a stainless steel look.

Disadvantages of high-gloss kitchen cabinets

Small and large scratches, dents, or dents are clearly visible.
In contrast to real wooden fronts, the damage cannot simply be repaired, polished away or sanded off.
A real lacquer front is very expensive.

Materials for the high-gloss kitchen cabinets

The surface of high-gloss kitchens is not just made of paint. The material is very robust, but also a bit more expensive. Alternatively, you can also design your kitchen with other high-gloss materials. In the following, we will therefore give you an overview of different coatings for high-gloss kitchens.

Real paint
Kitchen fronts made of lacquer are very high quality. For this purpose, a carrier plate is painted in several layers. First the base coat is applied, then a hard coat. In the last step, the piece of furniture is polished to a high gloss. This complex process is quite expensive, but it is also robust and durable. Such a surface is particularly hard-wearing and waterproof.

Foil
The cheapest alternative to real paint is a film. It is pressed onto the carrier plate with high pressure.

Since the foils are available in one color and with different patterns, you have a large selection here.

A film is easy to care for, but also quite sensitive to shock. In addition, the film can peel off at the corners over time. In some cases, bubbles also form if there is too much water vapor.

Lacklaminat

Turn your kitchen back into a bright kitchen by covering the facades with lacquered laminate.

You can also transform your existing kitchen into a bright kitchen by covering it with lacquered laminate. For this purpose, kitchen facades are also laminated with plastic film. However, this has also been painted.

This makes kitchen facades look better than unpainted foils. They are also less susceptible to scratches.

Available as an acrylic, solid acrylic sheet, or as a carrier sheet coated with acrylic as the surface. Acrylic kitchen facades are easy to clean. If they are specially sealed, they are also scratch-resistant.

This variant of a very bright kitchen looks like a glass facade. However, it is significantly cheaper.

Glass
You can also use glass to design the facades of a bright kitchen.

A carrier material is also used here. Safety glass plates are applied to this. If you paint the glass plates with a special paint from the back, it creates a beautiful color effect.

Glass facades are heat resistant and easy to maintain. This is an advantage. The disadvantages are that they are quite heavy and expensive.

Cleaning the high-gloss kitchen cabinets

In order for a high-gloss kitchen to look high-quality, it must be cared for accordingly. Otherwise, streaks and scratches quickly make a worn impression. A big advantage of the high-gloss kitchen is that the fronts can be cleaned very easily.

The right cleaner

When choosing the materials, use your existing kitchen unit as a guide. If you want a completely new fitted kitchen, it is best to buy everything from one manufacturer or to choose a model that goes together.

High-gloss kitchens require little maintenance. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove fingerprints and other dirt.

A clean, damp cloth is important for cleaning. Usually that’s enough. If the dirt is a bit more stubborn, use detergent. A drop of it is often enough.

A glass cleaner is also a gentle alternative for cleaning.

Note: Avoid scouring milk or other aggressive cleaning agents that contain abrasive grains. That makes the surfaces rough and unsightly.

Cleaning accessories
A good way of cleaning is window cleaners that run on a battery. Use them with a little detergent.

If you only use one cloth, avoid microfiber cloths. They leave very fine sanding marks and scratches. Chamois leather is better suited.

In contrast to kitchens made of solid wood, a high-gloss kitchen does not require regular maintenance. You don’t have to oil or impregnate them. You should even avoid common care products. They usually only settle on the surface and cause streaks. As a result, they reduce the shine and thus also the effect of high-gloss kitchens.

A tiled mirror in the kitchen serves as a splash guard behind the stove and the sink and thus protects the wall behind from dirt. Tiles are also a design element and can also enhance the look of your kitchen furnishings. Here you can find out which tiles are suitable for a tile mirror in the kitchen and how to cut and attach the tiles.

What is a tile mirror?

A tile mirror refers to tiles attached to a wall. Tile mirrors can mainly be found in the kitchen above the stove and the sink. The tile strip does not reach the floor but usually ends behind the kitchen cupboards. Even in modern bathrooms, tiles are now often installed instead of completely tiling walls.

Choosing the right tiles

The different materials available have their advantages and disadvantages. Not all tiles are suitable for a tile mirror in the kitchen.

Earthenware:
These tiles are glazed and impermeable to water. They can be easily processed in a tile mirror.

Porcelain stoneware:
These tiles can be laid indoors and outdoors – also in an outdoor summer kitchen. They are frost-resistant and very tough. However, you shouldn’t treat them with wax or gloss cleaner.

Stoneware:
These tiles are also ideal for indoor use and are usually of high quality. The resistance is somewhat lower than that of porcelain stoneware tiles.

Ceramic:
Ceramic is ideal for a tile mirror in the kitchen. It is water and dirt repellent. The tiles are available unglazed or glazed. The colors of different batches can vary slightly. So when buying, you should make sure that you buy tiles from a batch so that your tiled area looks uniform in the kitchen.

Faience:
This handcrafted ceramic is also suitable for the kitchen and bathroom. These are available in countless decors that offer versatile design options for your kitchen. However, the thin tiles are prone to breakage. You should consider this when buying and purchase a few more tiles.

Porcelain:
The material is suitable for heavily used walls. It is insensitive to stains, can also be treated with chemical cleaning agents, and is therefore very easy to care for.

Terracotta:
Terracotta tiles are not suitable for a tile mirror in the kitchen due to their porosity and high maintenance requirements. Instead, the terracotta tiles are often used as floor tiles.

Correctly plan tile mirrors for the kitchen

The advantage of a tiled mirror in the kitchen: it is usually a manageable surface with straight edges. Therefore, with a little skill, such a splash guard can be easily attached without a professional craftsman.

Before you start cutting and installing the tiles, you should draw up an installation plan to determine the tile needs. This is especially true if you need to cut tiles to master sockets or corners, or if you want to add a tile mirror with a specific pattern.

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:

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, Leesburg, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.

A kitchen island is often an integral part of an open kitchen. Depending on the equipment, the island can be used for cooking, as an additional work surface, or for eating itself. How you can plan the kitchen island and much more, you will find out in this guide.

How big should you plan a kitchen island?

The size of a kitchen island depends a lot on the size of the kitchen. In theory, there is no upper limit. Note, however, that the depth should not be less than that of a typical countertop. That is at least 80 cm deep

The island shouldn’t be too deep and wide either, so that you can easily reach every place on the kitchen island. In addition, choose them only so large that you avoid unnecessary walking distances.

In general, the following applies: A large family who likes to cook a lot needs a larger cooking island than a single household.

Plan the distance between the kitchen unit and the cooking island

Plan the distance between the kitchen unit and the cooking island
There should be at least four feet of space between the kitchen island and the surrounding cabinets and work areas. In this way, two opposing drawers can be conveniently opened at the same time and all users have sufficient space and freedom of movement in the kitchen.

How expensive is a kitchen island?

A kitchen with a cooking island starts at a few thousand dollars. The specific price ultimately depends on the size of the kitchen, the built-in appliances and the desired materials as well as the general product quality

It gets more expensive if you want to use the kitchen island for cooking and washing up. Then the corresponding connections are added. To do this, the floor usually has to be opened in order to lay all the necessary connecting cables.

If you decide to make a higher investment, you will usually buy a more comfortable and durable kitchen with a kitchen island. When it comes to kitchens, it is usually worth thinking twice about a higher quality model.

What material should the kitchen island be made of?

When choosing the materials, use your existing kitchen unit as a guide. If you want a completely new fitted kitchen, it is best to buy everything from one manufacturer or to choose a model that goes together

But stylistic contrasts can also be something to look at. For example, choose the wooden kitchen fronts and combine them with a stainless steel kitchen island. White plastic for the fronts and a kitchen island with a slate look or in an industrial style also go well together.

Ultimately, the choice of materials depends on your taste and the desired quality: do you prefer modern, rustic or Scandinavian style?

What material should the kitchen island be made of?

When choosing the materials, use your existing kitchen unit as a guide. If you want a completely new fitted kitchen, it is best to buy everything from one manufacturer or to choose a model that goes together.

But stylistic contrasts can also be something to look at. For example, choose the wooden kitchen fronts and combine them with a granite kitchen island. White plastic for the fronts and a kitchen island with a slate look or in an industrial style also go well together.

Ultimately, the choice of materials depends on your taste and the desired quality: What type of style do you prefer?

Which countertop for the kitchen island?

When it comes to countertops, you have a wide range of choices. Stainless steel scores with high heat resistance and hygiene. However, the material is delicate. Scratches can be seen quickly.

A surface made of ceramic is robust against scratches. It doesn’t even bother with acids. However, it costs more. Another option is plastic. Plastic worktops are very easy to care for. They are also offered in many designs and are usually cheaper.

Surfaces made of wood or stone are classics. The same applies to robust natural stone such as quartz, marble or granite.

Especially with large projects, such as the kitchen renovation, there are many work steps that you or the craftsman have to do. In order not to lose track of outstanding work or materials, you should plan everything carefully in advance.

From the selection of the fitted kitchen to the delivery and installation of the new appliances and kitchen units, you leave nothing to chance.

A step-by-step plan, which you can use as a guide during your kitchen renovation, is helpful for good planning.

Renovate the kitchen- 8 steps

Thoroughly plan the kitchen

If you want kitchen renovation, extensive planning is essential. This organization not only includes the actual kitchen planning, but also all other work that has to be organized and carried out.

If you are planning the furnishing of your new kitchen with us, you will discuss with your advisor which works on the room should be done yourself.

Make appointments

If you have ordered the new kitchen equipment and the delivery time has been determined, you can arrange the appropriate dates with the necessary craftsmen. If work is still pending on the room, this should be completed before delivery.

Keep in mind that many craftsmen have full-order books. So you should plan at least one to two months in advance and ask for appointments. The earlier you inquire about and make an appointment, the greater the likelihood that your renovation will go smoothly.

Dispose of old devices

If you want to replace your kitchen with all the electrical appliances, you have to take care of the disposal of the old appliances. If these are still intact, you can either give them away or offer the old devices for sale online.

Even with defective devices, with a bit of luck, you will find a tinkerer who will remove and repair your old oven or stove. If this doesn’t work, you can take it to the nearest recycling center.

If necessary, you can also agree that the old appliances will be taken with you when the new kitchen is delivered. So you don’t have to take care of the disposal yourself, just plan how to store the old devices during the renovation.

Organize an alternative kitchen

For the duration of the renovation, you should think about how you can prepare food alternatively. If you don’t want to use restaurants or delivery services during the renovation, you can pre-cook your food and store it in a freezer or refrigerator. During the renovation, you warm up food in the microwave, for example.

Alternatively, you can buy mobile stoves or borrow them from friends. You will use these to prepare food during the renovation.

Keep in mind that the dishwasher and sink cannot be used. For a while, for example, you can use a large plastic tub to wash your dishes in it.

If you want kitchen renovation in winter, food can be cooled on the balcony or terrace. In summer, you shouldn’t dispose of your old refrigerator before your new one has been delivered. Just move it to another room while you work. Make sure to use cardboard or a towel to protect the floor from pressure marks.

Create space to work

If the delivery date for the kitchen is approaching, you clear everything aside that could stand in the way of the kitchen fitters. Make sure to protect sensitive wooden or tile floors with blankets or painter’s fleece. You can hang up annoying doors during the renovation.

If your kitchen is smaller, it is best to create a place outside the room where the fitters can put their tools. Here, too, make sure to protect the floor from scratches and pressure marks.

Check delivery

On the day of delivery, you take a close look at the furniture and electrical appliances. Make sure that what you ordered was actually delivered and installed. If something is wrong, make a note of it and have the supplier acknowledge it for you.

Assess the assembly work

Once the kitchen fitters are done, don’t let them go right away. While they’re there, examine his work:

Do all new power tools work?
Are all the joints perfect?
Are the water connections installed correctly?
Do all doors, drawers, and drawers open and close properly?
Are all kitchen cabinets reinstalled?
Is the wood of the new facades and shelves scratch-free?
Is the new bank perfect?
Are all handles installed correctly?
If there is a problem, you can write to the installer to confirm it.

Complain about defects

If you only notice something that has not been properly implemented after the fitters have left, contact the company or our customer service. The best thing to do is to do this in writing and provide photos of the defects that have been addressed. Describe exactly what you are complaining about and set a deadline for resolving it.

Kitchen countertops come in many materials – which one you choose depends on your requirements and your taste. This guide gives you an overview of the most common materials like granite.

Requirements for the kitchen countertops material

Your kitchen countertop is one of the most heavily used items in your home. When cooking, splashes and stains, scratches and nicks are inevitable over the long term. In the latter in particular, dirt particles settle. The higher quality the countertop in your kitchen, the better it repels dirt. Worktops made of natural materials such as natural stone or wood are particularly easy to care for.

Countertops made of granite or other stone are particularly insensitive and robust. They are break-proof, easy to care for, durable and insensitive to scratches, stains and heat.

Stone Kitchen Countertops

With countertops made of quartz or natural stone, you can achieve a particularly elegant look in your kitchen. Stone slabs are usually also particularly break-proof, hard, and hard-wearing. They are insensitive to heat and scratches, easy to care for, and durable. Natural stone countertops and quartz stone countertops differ somewhat in their properties.

Quartz composites are mixed with additional materials such as glass during production. This creates a wide range of decorations – and the non-porous surfaces of the material are particularly smooth and shiny compared to natural stone.

Natural stone such as granite, marble, and slate has an unmistakable pattern. Natural stone slabs are available in numerous colors and structures. Granite is particularly robust, it can withstand temperatures of up to 600 ° C. All natural stones are comparatively sensitive to acids.

Solid wood kitchen countertops

Solid wood countertops are very popular and fit in with a natural interior style. Just like panels with a laminate surface, the material is not scratch and cut resistant and not very heat resistant. In the case of open-pored solid wood, there is also the fact that it quickly stains and can draw in water vapor if it is not waxed regularly.

To do this, you can sand the surface of your solid wood panel with sandpaper if it is no longer attractive. The easy-care rule of thumb applies to daily cleaning: less is more. You wipe wooden worktops with a little neutral detergent damp – not wet.

Countertops with melamine resin coating

Melamine resin is particularly popular as a coating for chipboard. This layer is made up of several layers of paper that are impregnated with synthetic resin and then pressed or glued to the carrier plate.

The range of countertops with a melamine resin coating is diverse. The manufacturers use the coating for numerous colors and decors: Among other things, there are reproductions of natural materials such as wood or stone. Plain-colored models or worktops with imaginative patterns are also available.

Kitchen countertops with a melamine resin coating require some indulgence in the daily work in the kitchen. They are not as robust and heat-resistant as countertops made from natural materials. If you choose such a coated worktop, you should use cutting boards and trivets at best.

Countertops made of this material are 40 mm thick as standard, the slim-line version is 16 mm thick.