Life, Styled
You are considering doing a kitchen renovation, but are a little nervous because of what your friend told you when they renovated their kitchen. The project was completed, and they settled into their new space and enjoyed many of the latest amenities. Then something happened. As they adjusted to the area, they thought about something that could have been done differently or that they wished they had added.
Don’t worry, this happens more than you think. It is impossible to anticipate everything we may need or want since our lives are constantly changing and require adjustments. With that being said, we thought it would be interesting to hear from those who have completed a kitchen remodel and find out what they wish they had done differently, added, or loved adding to the plan. Here are some of their answers, broken down into categories. Maybe it will help as you prepare to start your own renovation journey.
Appliances
- Paneled doors allow you to have a large fridge, but it still blends in with the look of the cabinets. *Appliances must be purchased panel-ready
- Double ovens and warming drawers allow you to finish and warm the whole meal easily.
- The microwave, built into the kitchen island, keeps it off the countertop and within easy reach of everyone, including the kids.
- Two dishwashers are especially helpful if you have a large family.
- If your dishwasher is open, can you still get to the cabinets around it?
Sinks
- Undivided non-stainless steel bowl sink- fewer scratches and water drops.
- There should be two sinks, as this allows you to do more at one time. Dirty dishes can be placed in one, while the other can be used to prep and clean food items.
- A deep sink that allows you more room to wash dishes, even the larger items.
- A sink with a low divide allows you to have an area to let dishes dry or soak while you wash the others.
- The Galley Workstation is a brand we carry exclusively and can easily incorporate it into your design for ease of prep, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. Follow this link for more information.
Islands
- Seating areas on two sides versus one allow you to fit more people and facilitate easier conversations.
- A regular or prep sink on the island can be an added bonus. It is in the middle of the kitchen, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere.
- Outlets on both sides.
- Additional storage can be planned for the island.
Drawers
- Having a pull-out drawer instead of a lazy susan is more convenient and easier to work with.
- Having more drawers in the bottom cabinets allows you to store plates and silverware easily since the dishwasher is usually located nearby. Another advantage is placing a large drawer where your trash pull-out can be placed; this keeps it handy but hidden.
- Avoid putting a drawer above a trash pull-out; this can give you a larger trash can size.
- Deep drawers that can store pots and pans
- The charging station in the drawer is convenient and efficient since we usually have our phones nearby.
- Pull-out drawers in the pantry make finding and organizing your items easy.
Odds and Ends
- Under-cabinet lighting provides that little extra light that is so often needed.
- Paper towel holder. By creating a little recessed area in one of your cabinets, you can clutter your countertop with one less item.
- Pot filler by the stove, no more carrying heavy pots from the sink to the stove.
- A beverage center is perfect for storing extra drinks like juice boxes and soda cans.
- Spice pull-outs can also be used to store oil bottles and keep them conveniently closed when cooking.
Greenbrook Design Home improvement spending is surging as homeowners take advantage of low-interest rates to tackle overdue projects. However, homeowners aren’t spending their remodeling dollars recklessly. They’re investing in projects that save energy, add value, and make their homes more comfortable, functional, and livable.
Whether you plan to sell in the coming months or are simply ready for an upgrade, you’re probably wondering which home improvements will pay off in 2021. Let this information from Greenbrook Design guide you as you prepare to remodel your home.
Greenbrook DesignNow that it’s summer, you may have forgotten about your New Year’s resolutions to keep your home organized and embrace a more minimalist home interior. As you take a look around your home, you may even start to notice miscellaneous papers strewn across the counters, or knick-knacks you can’t remember buying cluttering up your shelves. With a new season about to begin, there’s no better time than now to clear the clutter and start fresh.
Our very own hometown talent, nationally recognized photographer Randy McNeilly, has earned multiple prestigious awards for his exceptional artwork—proudly on display in the Greenbrook Design showroom.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
