The majority of kitchen cabinets, particularly those made out of wood, are designed to survive for many years. The timeless elegance of high-quality solid wood cabinets makes them a perfect complement to any kitchen. However, no matter the material of the cabinet, as time passes, some form of damage is bound to happen. At first glance, this damage may appear to have come out of nowhere. Most cabinet damage is caused by fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Humidity in the kitchen may lead to the wood expanding and contracting. This can, for instance, cause the paint on your cabinets to chip and reveal the joint lines. Aside from that, water damage, faulty installation, relocating the cabinets, and unprepared wood prior to painting are all possibilities. For this preseason, we are going to discuss the top five things that can damage your kitchen cabinets.

Extreme Moisture and Temperature Change

Kitchen temperature and humidity fluctuations are the leading cause of cracks in the wood center panel and cabinet doors that damage your kitchen cabinets. Wood is a natural material that will adjust to the humidity and temperature of your house over time. However, even the best kitchen cabinets and wood countertops can swell in summer and other humid months because wood easily absorbs extra moisture from the air due to higher relative humidity. When winter arrives, the humidity lowers, causing the wood to compress. Additionally, kitchen cabinet paint wears off over time due to the wood’s continual movement. These flaws manifest as tiny openings or thin fractures in the cabinet’s doors, joints, or corners. That being said, if you manage the kitchen’s humidity properly, problems with painting won’t arise. On the other hand, if you wish to prevent cracks, you will need to maintain a constant humidity level of between 40 and 50 percent.

Damage Caused by Water

The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in the home, so it’s not surprising that water spills and stains are common on painted cabinet surfaces. If your high-quality wood cabinets or countertops absorb even a tiny bit of water, they can quickly lose their quality and beauty. Cracking of butt joints in corner cabinets, paint peeling or bubbling, and expansion of wood materials are all possible results. However, if you have plywood cabinets and countertops rather than solid wood ones, it’s highly unlikely that your cabinets will become damaged due to water alone.

Failing to Properly Prepare Cabinetry Prior to Painting

When the wood in your kitchen cabinets isn’t properly treated or prepped before the final painting process, cracks may form in either a small piece or across an entire panel. For instance, the paint may bubble or shatter if you work on an unclean surface. Therefore, you need to make sure to remove any dirt, grease, and dust from the wood surface before painting. It’s also not a good idea to paint your wood cabinet doors and panels while they’re still wet. This may cause bubbles to develop on the paint and eventually peel off, leaving behind unsightly fissures.

Household Pests Can Damage Your Kitchen Cabinets

No one wants to believe they have a problem with pests in their kitchen. It still can be. Cockroaches in particular are often attracted to the greasy residue that builds up behind the stove. Additionally, pests such as termites love moist environments in kitchen cabinets. This makes your kitchen cabinets the perfect place for them to establish their colony. Termites can seriously damage the woodwork inside your kitchen cabinets and in the process can wreak havoc on your home. That’s why it’s so important to regularly inspect your cabinets for signs of infestation so you can take immediate action to minimize further damage and prevent the infestation from spreading to other areas of your home.

Poor Installation

Failing to install it properly weakens the overall structure of a cabinet, which over time leads to cracks and damage. If you want your cabinets to last a long time without breaking, you need to use professionals who know how to correctly secure the joints and install the cabinets.

How to Increase the Longevity of Your Kitchen Cabinets?

If you have recently purchased or are planning to purchase a custom cabinet set for your kitchen and are looking for ways to make it last longer, you should:

Keep Them in Working Order

As soon as you notice that they are not performing properly, you must determine what is causing the problem and resolve it. As we have mentioned, leaving technical issues unattended can cause further damage to your kitchen cabinets.

Clean Them Frequently

Wardrobe cleaning is a tedious job that no one wants to do. However, you don’t need to be completely thorough. You can wipe it regularly with a damp cloth.

Minimize the Humidity in Your Kitchen to Avoid Damage to Your Kitchen Cabinets

Moisture is the worst enemy of kitchen cabinets. As a result, make sure to air out any cooking streams and deal with spilled liquid as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what the top five things that can damage your kitchen cabinets are, we hope that you will take the necessary precautions to protect your investment. Regularly following these tips will save your kitchen cabinet set a lot more for years to come.

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

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

Individual Features in Kitchen Remodels That Increase Home Value the Most

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

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

Cabinets

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

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

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

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

Countertops and Backsplashes

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

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

Appliances

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

Flooring

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

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

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Increase Home Value?

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

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

Kitchen Remodels vs. Other Remodels

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

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

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

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

White cabinets are so versatile that you can couple them with any kitchen color scheme. This is one of the reasons white kitchens are trending now. There are multiple shades of white that help you make an aesthetic, modern, or vintage kitchen ambiance.

5 White Cabinet Shades to Furnish a Kitchen

When someone says “a white kitchen”, an image of a neat, all-white kitchen may appear in your mind. But do you know there are multiple shades of white cabinets at Potomac Kitchen and Bath ? The different shades of these white kitchen cabinets help you create different ambiances in your kitchen space.

Here are some pretty shades of white to grace your kitchen interior.

1. Ivory White Kitchen Cabinetry

Ivory white is a neutral color that you can pair with plenty of colors. You must decide what kind of vibe you want in your kitchen area.

• Ivory White with Bright Colors: If you are looking for something bold and bright, contrast a pink, green, or blue backsplash with ivory-white kitchen cabinets. Also, pairing them with white walls and backsplash will create a fully white, bright kitchen space with a sharp contrast.
• Ivory White with Dark Colors: Pairing a dark color with a lighter shade always works for kitchen interior design. When you have ivory white cabinets, make a pretty contrast with a dark backsplash. A solid or patterned kitchen backsplash with dark blue or red color would be pretty attractive.

A warm tone like brown suits best with ivory white. So, you can go for a dark brown backsplash or countertops. Also, a wooden floor and wooden textured backsplash with ivory-white cabinets offer a warm vibe in your kitchen space.

• Ivory White with Light colors: Light colors like beige, light grey, cream, etc., paired with ivory white offer an aesthetic look. It creates a neutral look that fits well with both modern and traditional kitchen interiors.

2. Crystal White Kitchen Cabinetry

Crystal white cabinets are ideal for you if you want a glossy, chic kitchen design. Suppose your choice is an all-white kitchen, pair white walls with crystal white kitchen cabinets. It creates a modern, lavish modular kitchen outlook. An all-white kitchen looks more hygienic, clean, and spacious.

The color of stainless steel blends well with the crystal white color. Adding steel hinges, knobs, or handles to these cabinets will make your kitchen space look more stylish.

3. White Shaker Kitchen Cabinetry

If you prefer a simple, classic kitchen interior design, white shaker cabinets can be appropriate for your kitchen. Unlike crystal white, white shaker cabinets offer a matte finish cabinetry and a rustic feel.

There is a great opportunity to Install a patterned floor when you have white shaker kitchen cabinets. When you have dark kitchen cabinetry, the pattern of your floor does not create a focal point. The simplicity of white shaker cabinets makes your wooden floor perceptible more clearly. So, you can flaunt your favorite flooring pattern.

Also, a pop of color is welcome to bring in energy and vibrancy with white shaker cabinets. Installing a colorful island will create a “wow” factor in your kitchen space.

4. Venetian White Kitchen Cabinetry

Our Venetian white kitchen cabinets belong to the warm-toned shades of white. This cabinet shade is well-suited to create a vintage, antique kitchen outlook. Copper, brown, or wooden floor and furniture will pair perfectly with this shade of white.

You can install a dark brown, cream, or beige countertop contrasting these Venetian white cabinets. Add golden hinges and handles to adorn the appearance.

Fixing some pendant lighting will enhance the beauty more. The natural yellow light will create a warm cozy atmosphere in your kitchen.

5. Classic White Kitchen Cabinetry

Our classic white cabinets have a perfect shade to offer a classy elegance. This shade, among our white cabinet collection, mostly offers a neutral tone. It has a smooth finish that helps you clean easily.

Create a modern, sleek kitchen design by pairing steel appliances with classic white kitchen cabinets. Also, it allows you to show your creativity on the kitchen backsplash. Add some cool patterned or painted backsplash that would be easily noticeable in between your kitchen cabinetry.

In Bottom Line

White is such a color that stands out among others even when used single for your entire kitchen interior. It reflects the light so well that a kitchen space looks more alive. On the other side, nothing creates as striking as pairing a contrasting color with white kitchen cabinets.

There is no such rule that you have to install kitchen cabinets with a single color. You can couple your white cabinets with our other dark kitchen cabinet shades like royal blue, navy blue, red, brown, cherry, etc. Visit our website, choose your favorite cabinet shade, and let us make your dream kitchen come true!

An upgrade to your kitchen can transform your home, so you want to make sure the transformation is a positive one. Your kitchen cabinets are a defining feature of the room, so making sure they are on trend is one of the best ways to bring a fresh feel to your space. Take a look at the design ideas that will be big in 2023.

Kitchen Cabinet Trends

Over the years, many different features have been in-style when it comes to cabinets. From two-tone uppers and lowers to open shelves, homeowners have had plenty to choose from. Looking ahead, here are the ideas designers are focusing on.

1. More Drawers in Bottom Cabinets

You are probably used to seeing a few drawers in lower cabinets with cupboards with shelves. In 2023, don’t be surprised to see the drawer-to-cupboard ratio change. The segmented storage can be easier to use and hold more items in a neater arrangement. This maximizes functionality in your space.

2. Unique Glass Doors

Adding glass fronts to a few of your cabinet doors can add light and interest to a space. This trend is evolving with the return of stained glass. It’s a material that used to be common in kitchens and homes but fell out of popularity. Now, people are bringing it back to add a bit of color and design to kitchen cabinets.

3. Standout Islands

It’s clear that kitchen islands have become the heart of many kitchens since they are gathering spots for families. That has inspired many interior stylists to make the island kitchen cabinets stand out. Start with a bold color or a different type of wood for the island, and top it off with a countertop that stands out from the rest of the kitchen.

Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets

A fresh look in the kitchen will make your home seem modern and fresh, so start planning an update today. Reach out to Potomac Kitchen & Bath to find materials that match your vision.

Quartz Countertop is the Most Popular Kitchen Countertop in 2022 – 23

There’s no shortage of kitchen countertop materials, finishes, styles, and color options. However, certain types of countertops are more requested than others. Not only should your kitchen countertop look good, but it should also be durable and easy to maintain.

There are dozens of kitchen countertop options out here, but there are several types that seem to grab more attention right now. Quartz and quartzite continue to be the most popular countertop choices amongst homeowners in 2022 – 23.

Quartz

Quartz Countertop is a manmade stone that is composed of roughly 80% to 93% natural material mixed with pigments and resins, making it a very durable and low-maintenance option. With quartz, the artificial pigments that are added allow homeowners a wide variety of choices, making it a more flexible option when coordinating the other aspects of your kitchen design, too.

Average price: The price of quartz varies greatly depending on the quality. Quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot to install and about $125 per square foot on average.

Pros:

• Recyclable.
• Long-lasting.
• Easy to clean.
• Variety of color and design options.
• Ultra-durable.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Prone to heat damage.
• Heavy.

Quartzite

Quartzite is an all-natural stone that requires sealing annually, and while it’s not quite as stain-resistant and low-maintenance as quartz, it’s still more so than other natural stones. Another thing to consider is that because quartzite is a natural stone, it cannot be customized, which limits design and color options.

Average price: The cost for quartz and quartzite is generally within the same range, Kaercher adds, but quartzite is much more expensive and labor-intensive to install. Installing a quartzite countertop in a standard kitchen costs $2,300 to $8,300, assuming a size of 30 square feet to 40 square feet.

Pros:

• Low maintenance.
• UV resistant.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Naturally occurring stone.
• Resistant to heat.

Cons:

• Limited design and color options.
• Difficult and expensive to install.
• Prone to scratches.
• Very porous and requires annual sealing.

Colors are crucial for kitchen furnishings in order to feel really comfortable in them. The evergreens among kitchen colors include magnolia, sand, and beige tones. The cream-colored nuances give the kitchen a modern and homely ambiance. We introduce the color trend and present the most beautiful kitchens in cream, magnolia, and beige.

The color effect of beige

Beige and magnolia are shades of white with an admixture of brown. In contrast to pure white, the cream tones do not appear cold, but radiate a pleasant purity and coziness. Magnolia and cream are invigorating and warming colors and have a mentally stimulating effect. Due to the light brown content, they also radiate harmony and lightness. Beige tones appear open and light and are therefore ideal colors for kitchen design. Especially in a country kitchen, this color tone looks very natural and homely.

The spatial effect of beige

Shades of cream are particularly versatile, as they match almost any room concept. They can be used to design emphatically reduced and small rooms as well as elegant, spacious kitchens. Magnolia and cream add width and openness to a room, but at the same time have a calming effect because they are not as cold as pure white. In the room, the colors radiate warmth and give the facility a pleasant atmosphere. Since the colors are very restrained, they provide an excellent basis for further designing the room. Beige and magnolia tones work well in small spaces as they make them appear larger.

These colors go well with beige

The combination of different colors can make a kitchen interior individual and unique. Beige is a neutral color that offers a lot of opportunity for experimentation and combination. If the kitchen is designed in cream or magnolia, fresh accents can be set with other colors that have a decisive influence on the room climate.

Magnolia and cream can be combined with gray for a classic, simple and elegant kitchen. A light gray without green content should be used. Silver gray or signal gray are suitable, for example.

Those who prefer a natural style can combine beige with earth tones such as ochre, sand or even wood tones. In combination with cream colors, brown appears comfortable and homely. Dark blue looks elegant and royal and is a good contrast to cream and magnolia. However, it can make rooms look smaller and are therefore only suitable for large, spacious kitchens. Light blue and turquoise look fresh and light.

With a dominant color like red and black, beige is well suited to soften the intrusive effect. A cream-colored kitchen in front of a red wall is a real eye-catcher and the contrast between the two colors can unfold its full effect.

A girly and romantic kitchen is created when cabinets in magnolia and cream are combined with pink accents. If the kitchen is to radiate naturalness and liveliness, accents can be set in a fresh shade of green. In this way, a harmonious and relaxing kitchen oasis can be created.

These materials and finishes go well with beige

Magnolia and cream can be combined with different materials. Since the colors are very reserved, there are no limits to creativity in kitchen design.
Wood radiates warmth and naturalness and goes well with a beige kitchen. Striking accents can be set, especially with dark wood. Light wood, such as pine or beech, appears friendly and open, underscoring the effect of magnolia and cream. Wood is a good choice for the table and chairs and for the countertop.

Stainless steel and metal radiate elegance in combination with magnolia and cream. The materials appear cool, sterile, and hygienic. Paired with magnolia and cream, this can provide a pleasing contrast, especially when the metals are used for eye-catching features such as handles. If you want the kitchen to look clean and modern, glass is a good choice. It gives the kitchen openness and transparency. A highlight in a kitchen with cream-colored fronts is a cupboard with glass doors or a table with a glass top.

The material marble is undoubtedly particularly noble and of high quality.

As a worktop or tabletop, it becomes an eye-catcher in the kitchen. Natural materials underline the naturalness of magnolia and cream. Rattan furniture in particular fits well in a cream-colored kitchen. Leather can be used for a modern effect.

Kitchens in cream and magnolia suit almost every furnishing style. Depending on which materials are used and which colors are added, there are completely different furnishing styles for the kitchen design.

In the traditional country house style, beige, with its friendly and homely appearance, is a popular color in the kitchen. Combined with pastel colors and playful patterns and natural materials, the result is a dreamy country kitchen full of nostalgia.

The Scandinavian style with its light colors also goes well with a kitchen in magnolia in cream. Beige-colored kitchen fronts, a worktop made of birch or pine, plus a homely wooden floor, and the Scandinavian kitchen is already set up.

The shabby chic style also works with light beige and cream tones and old pieces of furniture. Grandma’s old beige kitchen sideboard, where the paint has already flaked off in some places, fits perfectly into a shabby chic kitchen.

Classic kitchens in beige

Classic kitchens are modern and timeless and retain their cozy charm even after years. The classic colors magnolia, beige and cream are ideal for this, as they appear reserved, durable but still cozy. Combined with wood tones, chic kitchen handles and homely furnishings, classic kitchens in beige are among the most popular kitchen styles. Be inspired by our kitchen suggestions:

Design kitchens in beige

In a design kitchen, style, functionality and aesthetics come first. Design kitchens in magnolia and cream are very popular, but they appear less cool than fitted kitchens in pure white. This creates optical clarity and simplicity, but with the certain warmth of a feel-good ambiance.

Handleless kitchens in white

Handleless kitchens are unfussy and clear. There should be no optically disturbing handle elements. If a handleless kitchen is decorated in magnolia and cream, the impression of clarity and simplicity is underlined by the flat front design. The result is a real designer kitchen that looks classy and of high quality.

Country kitchens in beige

Country kitchens are cozy and romantic. Their nostalgic charm comes from colors in light beige and cream tones. The whole family feels safe here. A spacious kitchen island or a cozy dining table underline the feel-good atmosphere in a country kitchen in beige.

The advantages of a marble effect countertop for the kitchen

In this guide, you will find out what the advantages of a countertop with a marble look are compared to a real natural stone countertop. Also, read what you should consider when caring for and installing the countertop and what options there are for the design.

A worktop made of real marble looks classy and aesthetic. However, natural stone is relatively soft, making it prone to scratches and stains. An alternative to the solid marble slab is a countertop with a marble look.

Countertops with a marble look are made of ceramic or laminate. Laminate worktops have a core of the pressboard. The decor is glued onto it. Solid plastic coatings, which are made up of several layers of paper pressed together and soaked in resin, serve as the decorative layer on the countertop. In addition to decors with a marble look, you will also find variants that imitate materials such as wood, concrete, or granite.

Due to the special manufacturing process, laminate panels are relatively lightweight. They are also significantly cheaper than solid marble slabs, for example. Since they are available in many colors and surface structures, they allow you to create almost any design in your kitchen.

In addition to the price aspect and the flexible look, the longevity and robustness are further advantages of the marble-look slabs. You don’t have to worry about scratches from daily tasks in the kitchen. The heat-resistant surface prevents hot pots or pans from damaging the plate. At best, however, you should always use a trivet when you take your pots or pans off the stove and place them on the countertop.

The surface is smooth and non-porous, so dirt cannot settle. Care and cleaning are therefore particularly uncomplicated.

Install countertop in marble look

The installation of a worktop with a marble look usually does not require any great effort. Important before starting work: Check the dimensions carefully and take into account the cut-outs for the built-in sink and hob.

Before attaching the worktop, place the worktop on the base cabinets and check that it fits correctly. Align the base cabinets with a spirit level. If everything fits, you attach the kitchen worktop to the base cabinet.

You fasten the corner pieces of the laminate marble worktop with cross connectors. Glue the end strips with assembly adhesive and seal the edges with silicone. The sink, hob, and fittings are then installed.

Design ideas for countertops in marble look

Marble countertops are very aesthetic and give your kitchen an elegant look. High-quality worktops with a marble look create the natural appearance of the natural stone. Thanks to various versions, you can realize your desired design in your kitchen.

Countertops with a dark marble look are particularly impressive and elegant. Black or dark gray variants integrate perfectly into the modern kitchen but are also suitable for traditional kitchen variants. Dark marble slabs create an exciting contrast in a bright kitchen unit.

WCountertops in white marble look timeless and elegant. Light worktops with a marble look give a fitted kitchen or a kitchen island a stylish and modern look. These marble countertops can be perfectly combined with different kitchen styles.

Countertops with a marble look in gray are also very popular. This variant impresses with its natural appearance. Gray worktops with a marble look stylishly round off the design of both light and dark kitchen fronts.

Maintain countertops in marble look

The countertop is one of the most stressed elements in the kitchen. Depending on the material and surface structure of the kitchen countertop, careful care is therefore particularly important. In this way, you can keep the functionality and the beautiful look of your countertop for many years.

A countertop with a marble look is very easy to care for because it is durable, waterproof, and dirt-repellent. This is a clear advantage over real marble, as the soft natural stone is more susceptible to stains, oils, acids, scratches, and cuts.

A mild detergent is sufficient to clean your marble-look worktop. You can remove more stubborn stains with a glass cleaner, for example. If necessary, leave the cleaner on for a while. After cleaning, briefly rub the surface dry.

Note: It is better to avoid harsh cleaning agents or organic solvents, as these can attack the surface of the plate. If possible, also avoid cleaning agents with a scouring effect such as hard sponges or scouring pads. These can leave scratches through which moisture and germs can penetrate the worktop.

High-quality worktops are very heat-resistant. However, hot pots and pans can sometimes discolor the countertop. If possible, never place hot cookware directly on the countertop, but ideally use a coaster.

Real marble countertop – the disadvantages

The countertop with a marble look is therefore a good alternative to real marble slabs. But what actually speaks against a countertop made of marble?

Probably the biggest disadvantage of a countertop made of marble is the high maintenance effort. Since marble is a fairly soft natural stone, the material is prone to scratches and minor damage. In addition, marble is anything but insensitive to stains. Oil, acids, and moisture can easily penetrate the surface of the marble slab and leave marks.

Care should also be taken when cleaning marble. Due to its soft nature, the rock is sensitive to acidic cleaning and care products. In order for the stone countertop made of marble to remain beautiful for a long time, permanent and intensive care is necessary.

Added to this is the rather high price for a marble slab. Countertops with a marble look are therefore a more suitable alternative for anyone who values ​​inexpensive and easy-care materials in the kitchen.

Dark kitchen fronts, country house look, and metal accents, worktops with filigree profiles, and appliances that work independently. Modern kitchens are true multifunctional spaces and at the same time – depending on your preference – wonderfully homely or functional and minimalist. These are the kitchen trends of the season

Natural materials

Natural materials such as wood, but also concrete and different types of stone, give depth to minimalist kitchens, age with dignity, and never go out of fashion. Interesting 2023: Kitchens with clearly visible-grained wooden fronts are in no way inferior to dark kitchen fronts in terms of modernity. Combine them with marble, granite, and quartz.

If their door profiles and countertops are then elegantly and narrowly designed, nothing will remind you of the country house style of the 80s and 90s. On the contrary, the new wooden kitchens with stone countertops are wonderfully airy.

Striped look: Kitchens with vertically structured wooden fronts. Currently increasingly common and one of the top trends for 2023: Kitchen fronts made of vertically structured wood – a look as elegant as a well-tailored pinstripe suit.

Craftsmanship and material combinations in the kitchen

Furniture and surfaces that are handcrafted, or at least look it, are trending in the high-end kitchen, as are material combinations of various kinds. Thus glass joins granite, quartz, marble, and much more.

Kitchen trend: dark kitchen fronts

From white to black in just a few years; Kitchens in 2023 are still primarily one thing – dark. The long classic white kitchen is now more often than ever black or anthracite. This looks classy in combination with almost all types of wood and allows light accents – such as furniture or accessories in light shades – to stand out elegantly and brightly.

Practical; To ensure that oily or flour-dusted fingers do not leave any permanent marks, the new kitchens are usually equipped with an anti-fingerprint sealant.

Dare more color

Combine: fresh satin and lacquer shades and surprising combinations both within the three new color categories – the manufacturer call them “essential,” “elegant” and “extraordinary” – and among themselves. And colorful kitchens that look wonderfully contemporary.

Kitchen trend 2023 – the kitchen-living-workroom

The smooth transition between the kitchen and living area is actually already part of the standard planning repertoire in new buildings today. The kitchen is designed as a “room within a room”, with the dining area harmoniously adjoining it. What is new now is that other functional areas are also moving into the kitchen. Seen in the photo: Leicht combines a home office into the living, cooking, and dining areas and equips the workplace with (supposedly) kitchen furniture.

Functional, durable, and yet almost indistinguishable from the sideboard opposite: The profiles of kitchen cabinets, drawer elements, or countertops in 2023 are delicate and filigree in nature. Depending on the material, they play with an elegant and very cozy industrial look, which the brushed stainless steel countertop enhances here.

Kitchen trend marble

Marble is a trend. Also and especially in the kitchen. In 2023, the stone can be seen in light shades of white and beige, but also in dramatic anthracite.

However, when people talk about a marble kitchen, they usually mean quartzite or ceramic. The actual material marble is namely so sensitive to acids such as vinegar or lemon, but also wine and oil, that it is not really suitable as a kitchen countertop – unless the user loves patina. This is something that happens almost immediately with this kitchen trend.

Actually, the following applies to colors, materials, and surfaces in the kitchen: Whatever you like and suits your own style is permitted. But certain kitchen trends cannot be overlooked when designers and manufacturers present their new products.

In 2023, these include dark kitchen fronts, the triumph of cooking islands, and smart appliances such as the new generation of ovens or stoves that can be started up via app control or even on demand. New technologies are making life easier for amateur chefs, as many kitchen appliances have intelligently enhanced their tried-and-tested functions.

Every season has its fashion colors, but the current trend for 2023 is individuality. The color palette for the kitchen is broad – from subtle pastels to bold shades of dark anthracite or vibrant orange, everything is there and combined as desired.

In addition, kitchen manufacturers have discovered other functional areas of the home after Corona. In the future, the home office may also move into the kitchen. Workstations grow out of kitchen fronts and fit in seamlessly alongside shelves and minimalist kitchen fronts. The big advantage: storage space is in abundance in the new kitchens

The kitchen trends 2023

Dark kitchen fronts, country house look, metal accents, worktops with filigree profiles, and appliances that work independently. Modern kitchens are true multifunctional spaces and at the same time – depending on your preference – wonderfully homely or functional and minimalist. These are the kitchen trends of the season

Natural materials

Natural materials such as wood, but also concrete and different types of stone, give depth to minimalist kitchens, age with dignity, and never go out of fashion. Interesting 2023: Kitchens with clearly visible-grained wooden fronts are in no way inferior to dark kitchen fronts in terms of modernity. Combine them with marble, granite, and quartz.

If their door profiles and countertops are then elegantly and narrowly designed, nothing will remind you of the country house style of the 80s and 90s. On the contrary, the new wooden kitchens with stone countertops are wonderfully airy.

Striped look: Kitchens with vertically structured wooden fronts. Currently increasingly common and one of the top trends for 2023: Kitchen fronts made of vertically structured wood – a look as elegant as a well-tailored pinstripe suit.

Craftsmanship and material combinations in the kitchen

Furniture and surfaces that are handcrafted, or at least look it, are trending in the high-end kitchen, as are material combinations of various kinds. Thus glass joins granite, quartz, marble, and much more.

Kitchen trend: dark kitchen fronts

From white to black in just a few years; Kitchens in 2023 are still primarily one thing – dark. The long classic white kitchen is now more often than ever black or anthracite. This looks classy in combination with almost all types of wood and allows light accents – such as furniture or accessories in light shades – to stand out elegantly and brightly.

Practical; To ensure that oily or flour-dusted fingers do not leave any permanent marks, the new kitchens are usually equipped with an anti-fingerprint sealant.

Dare more color

Combine: fresh satin and lacquer shades and surprising combinations both within the three new color categories – the manufacturer call them “essential,” “elegant” and “extraordinary” – and among themselves. And colorful kitchens that look wonderfully contemporary.

Kitchen trend 2023 – the kitchen-living-workroom

The smooth transition between the kitchen and living area is actually already part of the standard planning repertoire in new buildings today. The kitchen is designed as a “room within a room”, with the dining area harmoniously adjoining it. What is new now is that other functional areas are also moving into the kitchen. Seen in the photo: Leicht combines a home office into the living, cooking, and dining areas and equips the workplace with (supposedly) kitchen furniture.

Functional, durable, and yet almost indistinguishable from the sideboard opposite: The profiles of kitchen cabinets, drawer elements, or countertops in 2023 are delicate and filigree in nature. Depending on the material, they play with an elegant and very cozy industrial look, which the brushed stainless steel countertop enhances here.

Kitchen trend marble

Marble is a trend. Also and especially in the kitchen. In 2023, the stone can be seen in light shades of white and beige, but also in dramatic anthracite.

However, when people talk about a marble kitchen, they usually mean quartzite or ceramic. The actual material marble is namely so sensitive to acids such as vinegar or lemon, but also wine and oil, that it is not really suitable as a kitchen countertop – unless the user loves patina. This is something that happens almost immediately with this kitchen trend.

Actually, the following applies to colors, materials, and surfaces in the kitchen: Whatever you like and suits your own style is permitted. But certain kitchen trends cannot be overlooked when designers and manufacturers present their new products.

In 2023, these include dark kitchen fronts, the triumph of cooking islands, and smart appliances such as the new generation of ovens or stoves that can be started up via app control or even on demand. New technologies are making life easier for amateur chefs, as many kitchen appliances have intelligently enhanced their tried-and-tested functions.

Every season has its fashion colors, but the current trend for 2023 is individuality. The color palette for the kitchen is broad – from subtle pastels to bold shades of dark anthracite or vibrant orange, everything is there and combined as desired.

In addition, kitchen manufacturers have discovered other functional areas of the home after Corona. In the future, the home office may also move into the kitchen. Workstations grow out of kitchen fronts and fit in seamlessly alongside shelves and minimalist kitchen fronts. The big advantage: storage space is in abundance in the new kitchens.

This guide shows you what is important when furnishing and designing a barrier-free kitchen. Here you can find out what to consider in terms of dimensions and floor plan, and how to place work equipment correctly.

What does a barrier-free kitchen look like?

Barrier-free living is becoming more and more important. With living spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens tailored to individual needs, the quality of life of people with disabilities and in old age increases.

A barrier-free kitchen is designed in such a way that it can also be used by people with physical disabilities. Kitchen furniture, electrical appliances, and utensils are accessible in a barrier-free kitchen for wheelchair users or senior citizens.

In addition to plenty of space, the arrangement and design of the electrical appliances and kitchen elements are particularly important. Height and position play a special role in kitchen planning.

Here it is often advisable to use solutions whose height is adjustable. Many elements of a kitchenette or fitted kitchen, such as the sink, should also be wheelchair accessible so that they can also be used while sitting.

When planning your kitchen, always bear in mind that a barrier-free kitchen is an individual matter. A wheelchair user has different requirements than a blind person. In this guide you will find out which equipment is suitable for which situation in life.

Freedom of movement in the barrier-free kitchen

A key point in kitchen planning is freedom of movement. According to DIN 18040-2, the movement area of a barrier-free kitchen must be at least 120 cm x 120 cm.

A wheelchair-accessible kitchen meets all the requirements of a barrier-free kitchen with a few additional aspects. The radius of movement here is 150 cm x 150 cm, for example. The kitchen furniture must have a minimum depth of 150 cm, while in the accessible kitchen it is 120 cm.

In addition to the movement area, the width of the doors also plays an important role. This should be at least 90 cm. Arrange work surfaces, electrical appliances and kitchen cabinets in such a way that walking distances are kept as short as possible. Commonly used utensils such as cutlery, cutting knives and pots should be within easy reach of everyone at all times.

Placement of electrical appliances

Fridge, stove and oven are among the most used appliances in the kitchen. Therefore, place them in the barrier-free kitchen so that they can be reached at a comfortable height.

The optimal working height is the height of the countertop. When using the oven, make sure that the door opens to the side so that it is not an obstacle when it is open. A self-cleaning function is particularly useful here. Cooker hoods should be built into the hob or be remote-controlled.

A shower hose on the sink makes handling the water easier. The sink should also be flat so that it can also be used from a wheelchair.

Floor plan and kitchen equipment

In addition to the height of the electrical appliances and work surfaces, the floor plan and the arrangement of the individual elements also play a key role in kitchen design. Countertops that can be driven under are useful here. In order to be able to reach any desired place at any time as a wheelchair user or with a walker, rollable kitchen base cabinets offer a solution. Some of these can be controlled electronically and their position can be changed so that they enable access to the hob, sink or countertop.

Use electronically lowerable kitchen wall units in the barrier-free kitchen. If necessary, you can lower it to a comfortable height so that you can reach cups and plates while sitting. Kitchen cabinets should be equipped with drawers or rotating systems.

Tip: With transparent shelves and glass fronts, you ensure that you can see what’s in the cupboard even before you lower it.

For your own safety, choose a non-slip and easy-to-clean floor covering in the kitchen. For example, tiles with a rough surface or PVC are suitable here. Note that the optimal working height is individual depending on the physical circumstances. As a guide, you should calculate a height of about 82 cm.

When installing sockets, make sure that they are easy to reach. Socket strips embedded in the countertop make working in the kitchen easier and are lowered again after use.

A handrail along the kitchen front may help you move around in the kitchen. With a corner kitchen you ensure short distances within the kitchen.

An eat-in kitchen combines the living room with the kitchen, making it the focal point of every apartment. The right furniture and colors bring coziness into the room. In this guide, you will find ideas for planning your small eat-in kitchen and setting it up to save space.
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.

What is important in the family kitchen with stone countertops?

A kitchen for the whole family is not just a place for cooking, baking, and roasting. The family kitchen is often the place where everyone gathers, where they eat together or do their homework. So that all these different activities can be done in one room, you should consider a few aspects when planning the kitchen.

When children in the family help prepare food and handle pots and pans, safety is a big concern. The position and height of the electrical appliances in the kitchen must also be well planned with children.

Whether it is a kitchenette or a fitted kitchen, there is enough storage space in the family kitchen so you can quickly put away colored pencils and coloring pages before eating. If you are preparing several dishes for meals together due to different needs, sufficient work space and a sensible division are just as important.

After all, the material of the kitchen fronts, countertops, and sink plays a major role when there are several people in the family in the room. In addition to these aspects, we will show you other criteria that you consider when buying a family kitchen.

Division and Arrangement

First of all, the room and its dimensions determine the possible layout of the eat-in kitchen. So that all family members can get together but still have time for themselves if necessary, a closed room that is separate from the living room is ideal for family kitchens. With a sliding door, you can easily divide a large room into a living and cooking area. In this way, the space can be enlarged if necessary.

If parents, children and possibly grandparents cook together, you need a lot of space in the kitchen. Kitchenettes are therefore less suitable for a family kitchen. Instead, opt for a U-shaped kitchen or an L-shaped kitchen. Thanks to the corner solutions, these kitchen designs offer more storage space, and the walking distances in the kitchen are shortened.

With two-row kitchens, make sure there is a distance of at least 1.20 m between the two kitchen blocks. This will ensure that the walkway is not blocked when drawers or the fridge are open.

In order to keep an eye on the children while they are painting or doing their homework, a good overview in the family kitchen is necessary. With a seat in the large kitchen, you ensure that the children can work or play while their parents prepare the food.

Ideally, you can do this with stone countertops. This offers both spaces for cooking and preparation as well as storage space through drawers and kitchen cabinets. Make sure that there are no cupboards on the side facing away from the kitchen, but that the worktop protrudes a little. If you equip this place with chairs of the right height, you create a seat for children. This is how you supervise them during various activities and offer them a place for a quick breakfast in the morning so that they avoid long walks to the dining table.

Tip: Choose a robust and scratch-resistant material for the stone countertops of the kitchen island, such as granite or ceramic.

In an open kitchen, there is enough space for a large dining table that can accommodate the whole family. Here, too, an additional kitchen counter or cooking island with seating can act as a room divider.

Plan storage space properly

In addition to pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils, there should be a place for baby food, lunch boxes, and children’s cutlery. Therefore, sufficient storage space with careful planning is essential for the design of the eat-in kitchen.

Use full-extension drawers in the family kitchen so that you can make good use of even the furthest corners and reach all the contents. Base drawers offer additional storage space for flat items such as kitchen towels, coasters, or cutting boards.

Depending on whether you store supplies in the kitchen or have a pantry adjacent to the kitchen, you need different amounts of storage space. Upper cabinets create a lot of space because they can use the entire height of the room if necessary.

Tip: Use upper cabinets for glasses and objects that children should not reach.

Thanks to their extra deep pull-outs, you can store a lot of utensils in cooking islands. These are particularly suitable for large pots or pans. With special corner solutions, you can make optimal use of the large space in the corners of U-shaped kitchens or L-shaped kitchens.

Supplies that you need regularly and that may have been transferred to suitable containers can be stowed away in an apothecary cupboard that is accessible from two sides.

Tip: Inserts can be used to keep cupboards and drawers tidy. These ensure a better overview and avoid long searches.

Safety in the family kitchen

Where many people work and live in one room, safety plays a major role. In the kitchen, in particular, there are many dangers with electrical appliances, boiling liquids, and sharp knives, which should not be underestimated, especially for the youngest family members, and should therefore be included in the planning.

Induction cooktops are a suitable solution so that children can help with cooking and stirring in hot pots without hesitation. With this system, only the pot and not the hob is heated. Alternatively, you can attach a stove guard that acts as a barrier for children’s hands.

Handleless kitchen fronts also ensure more security. This way you avoid bumps and minimize the risk of injury. You can also equip the kitchen cabinets with a self-closing mechanism that gently and slowly closes the last part of the drawer.

When in use, the oven is often set to a hot temperature for a long time and is therefore not constantly monitored. When planning the family kitchen, make sure that the oven is installed at adult eye level. This means that children cannot reach the door and operating the oven is also more ergonomic.

Many electrical appliances such as dishwashers have embedded controls that prevent the appliances from being switched on unintentionally. Also, store cleaning products in a lockable cupboard so that they do not pose a danger to the offspring. There are also fridges with child safety locks.

Purchase Criteria

When building or renovating your house or apartment, kitchen planning plays a central role. From the start, think about how you will divide up the kitchen, how much storage space you will need, and which safety aspects you will include.

The material is also important for purchase considerations. In the family kitchen, not only the price is decisive, but above all robustness and functionality. Lacquered or high-gloss fronts require significantly more cleaning than matt plastic fronts.

When planning the family kitchen, consider all members of the family who will be in the room and will be doing various activities there. For grandparents, for example, an armchair is much better than a bar stool.