What Does "Custom" Kitchen Remodeling Mean?

Are you researching your kitchen remodeling project online? If so, you've likely come across certain remodeling companies claiming "custom" quality work. In the context of home remodeling, the word "custom" conjures certain connotations: unique, hand-crafted, built from scratch. Unfortunately, for many remodeling companies, the word is meaningless.

Like the word "natural" in the food industry,"custom" has no defined meaning in the remodeling industry. Companies simply use these terms to project a certain image--yet the "image" is often not reality.

For many companies, custom simply means "to your taste." your kitchen design is based on a mere template, replicated from prior projects. Likewise, most remodeling companies build "custom" kitchens with prefabricated materials.

"To your taste" is anything but unique. Those beautiful kitchen cabinets? They're likely a dime a dozen.

Worse, as we note on our website, "the supposed advantage of standardized materials - low cost - is actually a disadvantage: low cost usually equals low quality."

In light of the misuse of the word "custom," MKBD suggests asking any prospective remodeling company a simple question: "What does 'custom' mean to you?"

The answer should be revealing.

At MKBD "custom" means designs and fixtures created from scratch, explicitly for you. Depending on your budget, you may choose certain "custom" fixtures and some standardized fixtures. When you work with MKBD, though, your design will always be unique, and each fixture will be installed by expert craftsman.

For a preview of our "custom" approach, please take a look at our gallery below.

Custom white cabinets

Custom Cabinets

In the world of kitchen cabinetry "custom" means built to specific dimensions. Since each kitchen is different, custom cabinets can be made to meet the unique size demands of your space. We build cabinets to fit any number of nooks and crannies--and, really, any space requirements. In the project above, the cabinets were built extra deep--13 inches--to accommodate our client's storage needs.

Custom Shaker cabinets with wine rack

Custom cabinets can also refer to any stylistic detailing, like dovetail drawers or knife hinges, or unique additions like the custom wine rack in the project above.

In addition to custom cabinets, you are likely to find "semi-custom" cabinets which refer to a standardized selection of prefabricated cabinets, and "stock" cabinets for a one-size fits all, budget fixture. At MKBD, we build custom cabinets exclusively.

Custom Flooring

A custom floor means you choose the exact flooring material as well as the stain. The key here is in the handiwork: a custom wood floor is cut and installed by hand with special attentiveness to any details you might desire.

In this Glenside project, the customer preferred a durable Brazilian redwood floor. 

A custom floor means that you take advantage of every square inch of floor space. Each board is cut to size to fit your needs, a boon for homeowners with odd kitchen layouts. 

Custom also means that you can choose the exact right fit for your family's needs: some wood floors offer more support; some offer better sound-proofing. When you go custom, you design the floor to your exact requirements. 

Finally, for some projects a "custom" floor means restoration-getting back to the original flooring, which often requires a fair amount of handiwork.

 In this Fort Washington MKBD project, we refinished the original hardwood floors. 

Custom Details

At MKBD, we pride ourselves on solving problems. Each new project presents a set of challenges--and we aim to answer each challenge with a custom solution. Small or large, a custom solution requires inventive thinking and cutting-edge design.

In this MKBD project, a growing family required more kitchen space. We fused the small kitchen with a dining room to create an open floor plan that could accommodate a busy family of five.

FREE Kitchen Appliances with any Full Kitchen Remodeling Project

At MKBD, we partner with our customers to provide competitive prices. And now, for a limited time, we’re leveraging our buying power to offer you a tremendous deal: FREE kitchen appliances with a full kitchen remodeling!

To qualify for this offer, you simply have to schedule a FREE, no obligation kitchen design consultation—a value in itself! During our brief consultation, we will help you draft the kitchen design and layout of your dreams. Best yet, all consultations include a FREE, no obligation estimate.

Call now to take advantage of this limited time offer: 215-355-474.

Summer Cool: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook

The summer solstice is three days away, but the Philadelphia area is feeling the heat: last week we hit the mid-90s (near 100 heat index) and this weekend promises more of the same. To beat the heat, most of us retreat inside to cool, air-conditioned rooms; some take a trip down the Shore, where the water temps are just now nearing 70 degrees (just watch out for sharks).

Despite the heat (and the sharks), many people love the carefree feeling of summer. After all, it's hard not to agree with the sentiment of Olaf, the carefree snowman from Frozen: 

"Just imagine how much cooler I'll be in summer!"

Cool, indeed. At MKBD, we believe the best remodeling projects conjure a certain feeling for our customers. Some customers like the feeling of luxury. Some want to feel stylish. But many like the easy-going feeling of summer.

Ahh: Clean and cool, this light and bright MKBD project evokes a sense of elegance and leisure, a perfect combo for our cool clients in Holland, PA.

A "Cool" Feeling

The evocation of a certain feeling is obviously not the only factor the guides our design process, but we've found that this simple question can inspire ideas: What feeling would you like your kitchen to evoke? A one word answer is often enough to set you on the right direction.

Whatever your answer, to facilitate inspiration, MKBD posts occasional "Kitchen Lookbooks" with photos and details from our prior projects. Last November, for example, we focused on wooden floors and cabinets.

Today, with a nod to summer, we're thinking about the escape from the heat: to "cool" remodeling projects that evoke a sense of carefree leisure, from the Mediterranean (see above) to the light palette of summertime dress (think whites and cremes) to the easy luxury of vacation resorts.

Light and bright: the right palette can certainly evoke a sense of coolness.

A Light Palette

Many homeowners prefer the stoic luxury of wood cabinets stained a suitably dark color, like burgundy or brown. But for a sense of summertime cool, nothing beats light and bright colors. When spread throughout a kitchen (like the MKBD project above) a light palette can speak of elegance and leisure at once.

Think of the elegant simplicity of a white linen button-up shirt or a white sundress.

In this sort of atmosphere, accessorizing is as simple as a bouquet of flowers or a bright hand towel. Note how the blue really pops in the photo below.

A simple blue hand towel illustrates a simple point: with a light palette, accessorizing with color is easy.

For a light palette think about white cabinets, creme countertops and light flooring, like light granite floor tiles or natural wood flooring.

Smoke white granite flooring brightens this creme kitchen.

Natural Light

Far too many homeowners toil away in dim kitchens with lackluster lighting. To avoid this, of course, you must prioritize lighting from the very beginning of your project--especially natural light. At MKBD, we believe an abundance of natural light is a crucial element of a well-designed kitchen layout. Of course, we recommend installing quality kitchen lights with your full-scale kitchen renovation. But your first priority, especially if you're looking for a cool, summery feeling is natural light.

The light palette in this MKBD project, with a creme backsplash and brandywine-stained cabinets, is complemented by a large window, which floods the room with light.

Natural light can come from windows, skylights, and when feasible, an adjacent room. If your kitchen layout is short on available window space, consider opening the kitchen with an open floor plan, like this MKBD project below.

An open floor plan lends an expansive, airy feeling to most spaces; it also offers the opportunity for more natural light--a perfect solution if your kitchen window options are limited.

FREE Kitchen Remodeling Estimate

If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, talk to the experts first. MKBD is currently offering a FREE Kitchen remodeling estimate, FREE design, and FREE custom layout to all new customers.

Call now! 215-355-4747 or visit us online at www.masterkitchendesign.com. 

Kitchen Remodeling: Learning the Basics

In the world of kitchen remodeling, mistakes are often the result of poor planning or poor communication. Ideally, you will work with a kitchen remodeling company who understands your personality and unique needs. Ideally, you and your kitchen designer will see eye-to-eye on the crucial layout questions. Ideally, your remodeling staff will be courteous and clean.

By easing communication, a great kitchen remodeling company can limit the stress of the experience. Who knows, with the right company, you might even find the entire experience--from planning to demolition to the actual remodeling--pleasurable.

On the other hand, the wrong remodeling company can increase the stress of the experience. And by "wrong" we simply we mean a remodeling company that does not communicate well. Often, the results of poor communication are not obvious until the work is complete. You told your designer you wanted  to ease traffic flow in your kitchen; in practice, however, you find yourself continually bumping into your spouse. You thought you chose a certain specific stain for your cabinets, but upon completion you dislike the color--and maybe even the cabinets, too! 

Of course, communication is a two-way street. The first key is finding an intelligent, thoughtful, and communicative remodeling company. The second key is articulating your vision as precisely as possible.

Every detail in this MKBD project, from the built-in warming drawer to high-grade kitchen hardware, is a precise articulation of the client's vision. Warm wall colors complement the glazed maple cabinets and pink granite countertops. Red exotic hardwood floors provide the  luxury the client desired. 
  

The problem many homeowners face is the vision itself. So many people just don't have enough experience to understand the ins-and-outs of kitchen remodeling--and the potential pitfalls. The best solution? Learn as much as possible. 

The Internet is a great place to research answers--you just have to be careful about the source. Make sure the information is coming from a professional. Better to seek This Old House than some remodeling forum rife with "horror stories." 

Our blog, Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Tricks, is full of informative articles. To get started, check out our kitchen remodeling articles. Or better yet, get specific: learn a little bit about each topic below and you'll be on your way to a successful experience. 

Learn Kitchen Design

Perhaps the most important element of any kitchen remodeling project is the design itself. To acquaint yourself with the basics of kitchen design, you might perform a basic Google search for "kitchen design"--or better yet, "kitchen layout." Kitchen "design" and "layout" refer to basically the same idea: the architectural plan for your space; but "layout" is, perhaps, a better layman's term for the novice.

In researching layouts, look for the information that makes most sense to you. Some people are visually-minded, and can easily "see" the way they want their kitchen to look. If this is you, do not let yourself be distracted by tired notions of the "kitchen triangle." Today's kitchens emphasize new traffic patterns. Allow yourself to visualize your perfect kitchen--you can always refine that vision with your remodeling company.

Others might find it hard to visualize the space. If this is true for you, try to define exactly how you would like to use your kitchen. Would you like your kitchen to be an entertainment hub? Are you a serious cook?

Read Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Cook I and II.

Read Kitchen Design for Entertaining.

In you know you're the entertaining type, articulate this idea to your remodeling company up-front. In this MKBD remodeling wonder, the kitchen island doubles as a table, perfect for entertaining.

Learn About Kitchen Cabinet Materials

You might think kitchen cabinets are pretty straightforward. Well, they're not, so a little knowledge goes a long way. Instead of wasting your time learning about specs and design, though, learn about colors and materials. If you can articulate the type of cabinet you want, your remodeling company will be able to guide you through the more arcane design and installation decisions.

Read: Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Learn What's Best for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project.


Learn About Kitchen Floor Materials: Tile and Wood

Like kitchen cabinets, a lot of the information about kitchen floor installation and design can seem arcane. On the other hand, the choices for kitchen flooring are enough to make your head spin. We suggest learning about the basics: tile and wood. A majority of homeowners will choose one of these two materials. If neither suit your vision, then by all means, research other options.

Read: Wood Floors & Cabinets: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook.

In this Glenside project, the customer knew the exact material and stain they preferred: Brazilian redwood, stained a lovely cherry red. 

Learn About Kitchen Appliances

Here's where most people go overboard. It's not necessary to research every last model of oven on the Internet, but it is important to have a working knowledge of brands. Try to figure out an appliance budget, and do not allow yourself to research appliances that go over budget. This is a common mistake that has sidetracked many an industrious homeowner.

Read: How to Choose the Best Oven.


FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk the kitchen backsplash and more! Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

The Wow-Factor: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook

Last week, in our first post of 2015, "A Kitchen Renewal Guide for the New Year," we asked, "What changes would you like to see?" You might want to exercise or eat more kale--but obviously these aren't the type of changes we're talking about!

What changes would you like to see in your kitchen? If you're thinking about a kitchen remodeling project, now is the time to begin exploring your options.

Many homeowners begin, simply, by looking for inspiration. You'll find plenty of gorgeous pictures (and practical advice) on sites like Pinterest, Houzz, or HGTV. Others begin by looking at kitchen showrooms. Some look at appliances.

Whatever your style, it's important to remember: a remodeling project is a major undertaking! Do not worry if you find yourself in the exploration stage for months. Some homeowners come to MKBD only after a year or more of exploration.

To facilitate your exploration, MKBD posts occasional "Kitchen Lookbooks" with photos and details from our prior projects. In November, we focused on wooden floors and cabinets. Today, with a nod to BIG changes, we're talking WOW factor--those kitchen upgrades that turn heads, that astonish, that illicit a genuine, "Wow!"

Wow! A fireplace in the kitchen? Why not?

The Single Luxurious Element

A kitchen upgrade is pointless unless it makes your life easier. At MKBD, we understand this simple fact: before luxury, a kitchen must be practical and functional. "Utility first" is the mantra of all good home remodeling companies.

But a kitchen does not have to be merely utilitarian. The addition of a single luxurious element (like the fireplace above) can transform your kitchen, elevating the feeling of the space from practical to magical.

And yet, we must say: a luxurious upgrade can be every bit as practical as, say, new cabinets. The fireplace in this MKBD project projects a warmth and vitality that invites relaxation--and we all need a little extra relaxation. In the winter, too, the fireplace provides a good source of warmth. Finally, a unique luxury upgrade can increase your home’s value. The wow-factor  can certainly entice potential buyers.

In this MKBD project the luxurious fireplace is seamlessly integrated into an otherwise elegant kitchen. This is important: you want to make sure your luxurious element complements your kitchen design.

Luxurious Cabinetry

At MKBD, we're big on cabinetry. In fact, we believe all of our custom cabinetry deserves a "wow!" In the Shaker-inspired MKBD project below, however, custom cabinetry is employed in a unique way. This simple yet elegant custom pantry presents two solid doors of sturdy cherry cabinetry that open to a practical walk-in pantry.

An MKBD custom-built pantry

The wow-factor here is the inventive cabinetry design that is seamlessly integrated across the kitchen to create a thematic feeling--in this case, a Shaker feeling. Following the spirit of the Shakers, the "wow" is subdued and elegant.

The timeless simplicity of the Shakers blended with a modern sensibility creates a space with natural materials, clean simple, lines, and a warm brown palette.

A Luxury Cook-Top

A luxury range is the quintessential combination of luxury meets utility. At MKBD, we advocate a wide variety of cook-tops with varying prices, but truly, the ranges that perform the best just happen to be those that look the best.

In this MKBD project, this workhorse Wolf range, replete with five burners, is the centerpiece of an otherwise elegant kitchen design

A luxury cook-top is a nod to the chef. In this MKBD project, the Wolf range provides a spot of "wow" in a sea of cherry cabinetry.

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

Many homeowners choose to call a remodeling company at the very beginning of the exploration process. We believe this is the best option--and not simply because we are a remodeling company!

A remodeling company can guide you in your exploration, saving you time. A home remodeling company can also help you set reasonable parameters for your project. How long might the project take to complete? What are the best materials for your lifestyle? And how about the cost?

At MKBD, we offer a FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

A Kitchen Renewal Guide for the New Year

Despite the cold, lifeless weather, the New Year often inspires homeowners with a sense of renewal. In the first weeks of January, as the frantic holiday hungover subsides, many homeowners find solace in cleaning and organizing.

At MKBD, we think the New Year is a perfect time to think about your next remodeling project. Once the Christmas tree and holiday decorations have been packed away, you can view your space anew, with fresh eyes. What changes would you like to see? Now is the time to start planning for a spring or summertime remodeling project.

Yet you don't have to wait until the weather warms to make improvements. Today, in the spirit of renewal, we're thinking about simple improvements that can improve the look and feel of any home--and we're starting with the busiest room in the house: the kitchen!

Beyond building an actual addition to your home, a kitchen remodeling project can be one of the more expensive of all remodeling projects. Yet the space itself is also amenable to minor projects that can make a major difference.

A simple coat of paint can transform the kitchen ambiance. Cabinets can be refinished, restoring the original luster. An oven refacing just might reinvigorate your passion for cooking.

So check out our Kitchen Renewal Guide (below) for some simple projects, from DIY to professional. 

Touch-Up Nicked Surfaces 

No matter how careful you might be, your cabinets (or walls) bound to suffer a few scratches or nicks. The damage might be minor, but seeing the same blemish day after day just might compromise your enjoyment of your kitchen. Instead of fretting about it for an entire season, why not perform a simple touch-up now? A good touch-up can make most scratches or nicks disappear.

A touch-up is a simple DIY project. Before you buy a touch-up kit or break out the paint, however, make an honest assessment of the damage. If you're not confident of your skills, or you feel that the damage is more than a scratch or nick, call a professional.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

A step up from a touch-up, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders for your kitchen, enlivening the space with clean color. You might choose to simply re-paint your walls or choose an entirely new color.

In this MKBD project, freshly painted creme cabinets are playfully offset by the muted yellow walls: an invigorating combination for the New Year.

A paint job can be a DIY project, but if you're pressed for time or simply not confident in your skills, a paint job can be capably and quickly performed by a professional home remodeling company like MKBD.

Refinish Your Cabinets

Of all kitchen elements, the cabinets often see the most abuse. Be honest, how gently do you open and close your cabinets? For most of us, the answer is: not so gently at all! Add to the wear and tear the greasy residue of kitchen smoke and it might not take too long for your cabinets to show their age.

Happily, kitchen cabinets can be easily restored with a little stain or paint.

Again, this work is relatively simple, and for many it's a perfect DIY project. You just want to make sure that you allot and appropriate amount of time. If you plan to stain your cabinets, make sure you remove the old finish with paint remover, sand the surface smooth, and use a wood filler to repair any nicks. If you plan to use paint, the process is essentially the same. Just make sure you choose an appropriate color that will match the rest of your kitchen's palette.

New wood cabinets, like these cherry cabinets, offer a dramatic presentation. After a few years of wear and tear, however, they might be in need of a simple refinishing.

If the work of staining or painting your cabinets sounds like too much, of course you can call the professionals. This is routine work for a home remodeling company like MKBD.

An Appliance Makeover

Many homeowners mistakenly assume that appliances that have lost their luster should be replaced with something new and shiny. This is not true at all! As long as your appliances are in good working order, they're perfect candidates for a refacing or simple paint job.

Many appliances come equipped with a stainless steel (or, sometimes, wood) face panel that can be easily restored. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer. If you're appliance does not have a face panel that can be restored, you can install a custom-built panel or trim. Check out Kitchen Source for a few options. Refacing is a relatively straightforward DIY job.

Another option might require the help of a professional, but is still relatively simple and inexpensive. Some appliances can take a new coat of paint from an appliance refinisher. Just Google "Appliance Refinishing" for your local area.

A brand new stovetop gleams. Once it loses its luster, you might think about refinishing.

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

Wooden Floors & Cabinets: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook

Have you noticed? It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. Cinnamon and spice! Roasting Chestnuts! And of course, the deep woodsy smell of Christmas trees: pines, conifers, and spruce!

At MKBD, the holiday season marks the end of our busiest time of year--and the beginning of our year-end celebrations. We're toasting the successes of the past year, sipping a wee spot of champagne, and trimming our trees.

Of course, home remodeling is never far from our minds. And with the smell of pines, conifers, and spruce in the air, we're thinking about our favorite kitchen remodeling material: wood! Study and beautiful, natural hard wood is our favorite choice for kitchen cabinets and floors. 

In the remodeling world, wood is a token of quality craftsmanship. That's why we're so proud of the MKBD projects below. In each picture, natural wood reveals the qualities we strive for each and every project: masterful design and creative installation. If you're looking for kitchen remodeling inspiration, take a look at our Wood Floor and Cabinet Look Book. Or visit our website, http://www.masterkitchendesign.com, and check out our Designer Portfolio!

Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen remodeling trends have inspired homeowners to source modern materials like gleaming stainless steel and cool glass, but wood is still the most popular cabinet choice. In today's trendy kitchens, wood cabinets provides a warm contrast and textural variation that complements modern materials. And of course, wood cabinets perfectly complement traditional kitchens. 

Here's a modern take on a traditional material. In this kitchen renovation for a Center City couple who lives near the art museum, creme hard wood cabinets complement the clean backsplash design.

In our estimation, solid wood is the most luxurious cabinet option. Other cabinet choices, like plywood or particle board, might include wood elements, but cabinets made entirely from solid wood--from top to bottom, to the shelves, doors, and back panels--are the real deal!

That's why we say "solid wood is the solid choice."

In this Cherry Hill-area project, Decora Cherry Cabinets in cranberry set a striking contrast to the porcelain backsplash and floor. 

The cabinets above gleam like freshly-polished dress shoes, and like the best dress shoes they're built to last a lifetime. Solid wood cabinets are extremely durable and show little wear and tear, even after many years of use. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets, solid wood cabinets will suit you well. If cared for, and treated with they respect they deserve, your solid wood cabinets will look new years after installation.

In this Abington-area project, maple cabinets with raised panels and bull nose edges complement the natural stone backsplash, granite counter tops, and tile floor. 

Wood Kitchen Floors

A new wooden floor is one of the most beautiful and enduring investments a homeowner can make in his/her home. For the kitchen area, especially, wood provides a durable, easy-to-clean, and stunning flooring option.

In this Bucks County-area project, burgundy hardwood provides an elegant and eye-popping contrast to glazed maple cabinets and pink granite countertops. 

A common misconception is that wood is an impractical material for kitchen floors. This is simply untrue. With proper care, a hard wood floor offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Of course, water is abundant in the kitchen area, and it is true, water damage can warp wooden floors. But a water spill is easily remedied with expeditious cleaning. And frankly, for safety purposes, any water spill, on any flooring surface, should be wiped immediately.

Please read: "Kitchen Safety: What You Need to Know."

Wood strip flooring, like this tigerwood flooring, is attractive and easy on your knees and joints. Perhaps this is why wood is a favorite choice of home cooks. 

From sturdy domestics like maple and oak to exotic materials like Brazilian chestnut or tamarind, the abundance of wood floor options might surprise you.

Take a look at the graphic above from This Old House. Beyond the look of each wood, you might refine your choice by selecting a relative level of hardness. Softer wood will be easier on the joints and knees. Harder wood will be more impervious to dings and scratches.

In this Glenside project, the customer preferred a durable Brazilian redwood. Stained a lovely cherry red, this had wood floor is both sturdy and beautiful.

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FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook: Part One

At MKBD, we work with a variety of client tastes. Some homeowners want purely stylish kitchens with beautiful amenities like hardwood cabinets and granite countertops. Other homeowners simply want a basic space suitable for a busy family, with just enough storage and work space to be efficient and economical.

Of course, for MKBD, each family and each unique preference deserves a special attentiveness. Yet, in our experience, no preference requires as much attentiveness as the demands of a serious home cook.

A serious home cook's kitchen must be easy-to-navigate and easy-to-clean. The serious cook requires plenty of counter and storage space. Of course, most cooks enjoy company, but when space is a premium, the serious cook also demands efficiency. Yet, efficiency is not the only goal. The serious cook rarely skimps on quality or beauty.

Perhaps most importantly: the serious cook's kitchen must make him/her feel happy. After all, they'll likely be spending a lot of time in the space.

If you’re a serious home cook, or live with a serious home cook, and you’re considering a kitchen remodeling project, you'll want to read our first installment of Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook. And remember, if you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. MKBD is currently offering a FREE Kitchen remodeling estimate, FREE design, and FREE custom layout to all new customers.

Let's talk cooking and more!

Call now! 215-355-4747 or visit us online at www.masterkitchendesign.com.

Many cooks believe that a perfect work triangle--like this MKBD-exclusive professional kitchen-style project--is a design must.

A Kitchen Layout for the Cook

By far, the most important element of a cook-friendly kitchen design is the layout. So if you're working with a professional remodeling company or kitchen designer make sure you express your needs clearly. Ideally, you want the efficiency of a professional kitchen scaled down to your available space.

Professional kitchen are organized around the concept of the work triangle: the three-point work station, from the range, to the refrigerator and/or pantry, to the sink, and back to the range. Many cooks believe the work triangle is a must as it segregates the three functions of kitchen work: cooking, storage, and cleaning. However, as we've noted before, kitchens.com disputes this doctrine:

"The work triangle isn't without its flaws though...It assumes that a kitchen will only have three major work stations and one person cooking. As kitchens grow in size, and feature more than three workspaces, the regular work triangle isn't always practical. And in many households today, two or more people share cooking duties. Because of these issues, designers do not always play by the triangle's rules when it comes to drafting kitchen plans."

Your kitchen layout, then, will be largely defined by size and the number of cooks. If you have one serious cook and limited space, we suggest a design with a traditional work triangle. If you have more cooks or space, however, you might choose to add additional work spaces for preparation and/or cooking.

A gas range is a must for the serious home cook. In this Philadelphia MKBD project, the client demanded only professional-grade appliances, and this range certainly fits the bill!

Kitchen Appliances for the Cook

A cook-friendly kitchen design is a must, but most cooks get really excited about the appliances, especially the range. Obviously, ranges come in a variety of price levels with a seemingly infinite number of options, but for the serious cook the most important option is the energy source.

Any cook worth his/her salt will tell you this simple truth: gas is preferable to electric. You'll want to look for sealed burners, cast-iron grates, and easy ignition controls. And keep it simple. A true cook doesn't really need extra features--all he or she really needs is a reliable flame with steady temperature control--the true advantage of a gas range. 

Many serious home cooks opt for separate ovens with convection option for perfect, even baking. Look for an ample oven space with easy-to-remove grates and a powerful broiler with 3000+ watts of power.

A quality refrigerator is not only the provenance of the serious cook--homeowners across the country demand refrigerators with abundant storage space.However, remember, larger is not always better. A refrigerator might take precious countertop space, and if you have a small family, you simply might not need a large refrigerator. And don't waste your money on a built-in unit. A free-standing model will be deeper, which can be helpful when the holidays roll around and you need a place to store your brined turkey!

Finally, a cook's dishwasher merely needs to perform its function--and stay out of the way! Serious cooks should opt for better ranges and basic dishwashers, although it's nice to have cleaning options for heavy duty jobs like pots and pans. 

Ample cabinet space is a must--especially for smaller kitchens like this Center City MKBD project.

Cabinets for the Cook

Serious home cooks, by nature, need more storage space for the tools of the trade. The cook will have more pots and pans, more ingredients, and more seemingly obscure gadgets, like potato ricers or food mills. (Please don't tell your home cook that we called the potato ricer and food mill obscure!)

Choose simple closed cabinets with deep shelves for storing larger plates and bowls. Skip the ornate patterns that might prove hard to clean; ditto decorative hardware. Install adjustable shelves. And for the most efficient use of space, build your cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

Your choice of material should be guided by efficiency and durability. For an in-depth look at some of the most popular cabinet materials, please read "Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Learn What's Best for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project."

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Want more remodeling tips for the serious home cook. Stay tuned next week for our next installment of Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook!

 FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

DIY or Professional? When it Pays to Pay a Pro

For many homeowners the cost of a kitchen remodeling project is prohibitive. As we've noted before, remodeling projects nationwide range from a relatively "minor" investment of $18,856 to a "major" investment of $54,909. A homeowner can expect to pay 10-25% of a home’s value for a high-quality kitchen remodeling project.

To cut costs, many homeowners choose to perform DIY renovations. In theory, a DIY renovation is a fabulous idea: a thrifty and handy homemaker can make a lasting kitchen upgrade at a fraction of the cost. If you possess professional skills and an abundance of free time, a DIY project might be your best choice.

Most DIY homeowners understand that kitchen renovation work is laborious and time-consuming. However, many DIY homeowners neglect the importance of technical expertise--the DIY craze has convinced many homeowners that renovation is as simple as following "Five Simple Steps to a New Kitchen Floor."

In fact, renovation is not as easy as "Five Simple Steps..." Blood, sweat, and tears can only get you so far. Without a great deal of technical know-how you're DIY project might be doomed from the start.

At MKBD, we've talked to many homeowners who have started DIY projects only to abandon the work halfway through. Most of these homeowners are determined and capable, yet they lack the technical know-how to solve unexpected problems.

We've seen crucial design mistakes, cut power lines, and water pipes spewing water. And all of this costs money--the precious money the DIY homeowner hopes to save!

Some DIY jobs are easily accomplished and some are best left to to the professionals.  To save you some hassle, we've compiled some simple tips below. Hopefully, these tips will help you save some money by answering a simple question: Should I DIY or call a professional?

DIY or Professional?

Kitchen Cabinets

The work of building and installing new kitchen cabinets is best left to professionals. Here (from the National Kitchen and Bath Association) is just one example of the technical expertise required to properly install kitchen cabinets:

"Once the base kitchen cabinets are lined up and connected, your contractor will be able to tell what kind of "shimming" may be needed on the walls and floor. A shim is a narrow wedge of wood that works much like a matchbook placed under the leg of a wobbly table in a restaurant. If your floors or walls are at all ‘wavy,’ as is the case in many older homes, shimming will be necessary."

Does this make sense to you? If not, make sure you call the pros. 

However, you can easily perform your own kitchen makeover by simply painting your old cabinets. Just prepare yourself for some hefty lifting. Each cabinet must be removed before painting. Then, once you’ve removed the cabinets, clean each cabinet with a sponge and soapy water. Next, sand the cabinets, then apply your primer. When the primer is dry, paint the cabinets with several coats of your new color, allowing the cabinets to dry after each coat.

 

For this Main Line project, MKBD created custom-made maple kitchen cabinets

Kitchen Floors

While the installation of a new kitchen floor does require some technical know-how, the biggest investment is sweat equity. If you want to install your own kitchen floors, prepared to work! Ripping up old flooring requires tremendous amounts of time and effort.

Thankfully, you can cover a kitchen floor with as many as three layers of new flooring before any removal is required. Just ensure that the new installation covers a smooth, clean surface. And remember to clean and vacuum your old kitchen floor thoroughly; any debris might later appear through the surface and damage your new floor.

And, of course, before you begin, make sure you get a precise measurement of your square footage. You don't want to purchase more flooring material than you need!

The verdict? If you're ready to work hard, and you can simply cover your old floor with a new layer, a DIY floor installation might be reasonable.

However, if you must rip up your old flooring, or if you want to install a specialized floor material like ceramic tiles or wood, we suggest contacting a professional.

In this North Wales, PA project, MKBD installed butterscotch wood floors. Wood floors are best left to the pros.

Install Appliances

The installation of a new appliance is rarely as simple as plugging the appliance into an outlet.It should go without saying that any electrical or plumbing work should be performed by a professional.

Electrical outlets should be properly grounded and installed according to code. And believe it or not, plumbing is often the most complicated element of a renovation. Just ask DIY Advice:

"Plumbing is the most complicated aspect of most bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. Plumbing must conform to building codes to prevent dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The National Uniform Plumbing Code applies generally to the entire country.

You also must follow local codes, which may be more stringent. When planning your project request information about local plumbing codes from your local building department. Have the plans approved before starting work and perform all work to the satisfaction of the inspector. Draw a detailed plan that includes a list of all materials."

For these reasons, MKBD suggests leaving the installation of appliances to the professionals.

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To qualify for this offer, you simply have to schedule a FREE, no obligation kitchen design consultation—a value in itself! During our brief consultation, we will help you draft the kitchen design and layout of your dreams. Best yet, all consultations include a FREE, no obligation estimate. Call now to take advantage of this limited time offer: 215-355-474.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Learn What's Best For Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

The kitchen cabinetry industry produces an incredible variety of man-made and synthetic cabinet materials. This can be a boon for the educated consumer. In our experience at Master Kitchen and Bath Design, however, most homeowners feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices.

For the typical consumer, who might not have time (or the inclination) to research all the available options, it can be difficult to gauge the differences in quality and construction between different cabinets.

Similar designs and colors  make most cabinets look alike, even when they're dramatically different. When choosing cabinets, limit your options by choosing the material best suited for your unique kitchen remodeling project.

A great majority of cabinets are made from one of the following materials: solid wood, plywood, thermofoil, particle board, medium density fiberboard, or stainless steel.

Below we will briefly discuss each cabinet. This basic knowledge should give you a good idea of your preferred kitchen cabinet material.

Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Without a doubt, kitchen cabinets made of solid wood are the most luxurious cabinet option. The luxury comes at price, though: solid wood cabinets are also the most expensive choice.

The name speaks for itself: solid wood. While other cabinet choices, like plywood or particle board, might include wood elements, cabinets made entirely from solid wood--from top to bottom, to the shelves, doors, and back panels--are indeed, 100% the real deal!

That's why we say "solid wood is the solid choice."

Solid wood cabinets are beautiful and durable, and show little wear and tear, even after many years of use. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets, solid wood might just be your best choice. If cared for, and treated with they respect they deserve, your solid wood cabinets will continue to look new years after installation.

One caveat here: if your home is prone to excessive humidity or dryness, your solid wood cabinets might swell or shrink, respectively. For homes without temperature control, the best option might for wood cabinets might be to add another material, like thermofoil, or to choose plywood.

Solid wood cabinets installed by Master Kitchen & Bath Design

Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

Thermofoil is a thin layer of a vinyl film used to cover kitchen cabinet boxes from the outside. It is widely used to cover doors only. However, end-cabinets often have side panels covered as well.

Thermofoil, then, does not actually make up the material of the cabinet--only its covering. And it can be used to cover a variety of cabinet materials, from solid wood or medium density fiberboard. Still,  cabinets covered with thermofoil are often simply called by the name itself: thermofoil cabinets.

For this reason, its important to understand not only the nature of thermofoil, but the material underneath.

Resistant to moisture and easy to clean, thermofoil, if applied correctly, will appear quite seamless, so the material should not compromise the beauty of your solid wood cabinets. Thermofoil is sensitive to heat, though, so placement near the stove can be problematic. In this case, you will need to install additional metal heat shields to protect your cabinets.

Overall, as an addition to an otherwise sturdy material, like solid wood, thermofoil, is a popular kitchen cabinet option.

Plywood Kitchen Cabinets 

A popular choice in both modern and traditional kitchen renovations, plywood cabinets are made of large, flat pieces of wood (“plies”) cut thin and glued together to form a larger, solid piece of wood.

Although plywood is not "solid" wood, if manufactured correctly, it should be a sturdy and reliable cabinet choice for the life of your kitchen. Plywood should not be confused with "engineered wood" or particle wood (see below), which are less expensive and more prone to damage.

Plywood is a sturdy choice, resistant even to the swelling and shrinking you might see with solid wood cabinets. For this reason, it is often the first choice for most homeowners.

In our estimation, plywood offers a great value for the material, and is a perfect choice for those who live in a humid or dry environment, and who prefer solid wood but do not wish to add thermofoil.

Particle Board Kitchen Cabinets

At Master Kitchen & Bath Design, we do not advocate the use of particle board for kitchen cabinets. In fact, particle board is most often found today at construction sites, where it provides a sturdy, yet inexpensive material. However, even though this type of material is losing favor for home use, some brand name companies still use it. So you should know a little bit about it.

Particle board is many small wood chips pressed together with adhesive glue and formed into a solid board. We understand that you probably do not want your cabinets to be glued together. It's important to remember, though: the main benefit of particle board is cost. Particle board cabinets are the most inexpensive cabinets, so the choice of this material might create extra money in the remodeling budget for other preferred expenses, like appliances or a new kitchen floor. Particle board is also quite heavy--as heavy as plywood, although it will not last nearly as long as plywood or solid wood.


Particle board does absorb moisture, so even when it used as an underlying material in construction, moisture barriers are essential. 

Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets

Stainless steel cabinets are often found in the restaurant industry or school cafeterias, places where the no-frills durability, ease-of-cleaning, and sleek lines of stainless steel are appreciated and needed.

That said, stainless steel cabinets also work remarkably well with a contemporary kitchen design that emphasizes simplicity as well as a light, airy feeling--although some tend to associate stainless steel with institutions. The best we can say is that, more than any other cabinet material, stainless steel inspires diverse feelings. 

Perhaps the most unique kitchen cabinet material, stainless steel is still adaptable to different styles. Neat freaks should know: stainless steel will show finger marks quite easily (although it is also cleaned quite easily, and is certainly the most sanitary material). Another consideration: stainless steel is often as expensive as solid wood!

Stainless steel cabinets, as seen on HGTV.com

Medium Density Fiberboard

In its structure, medium density fiberboard (MDF) is similar to a particle wood, but hereas particle wood is made of tiny wood chips, medium density fiberboard is made out of wood fibers. These fibers are placed together under pressure and formed to a single board panel.

MDF offers a finer texture then particle board, but it is much heavier--a certain disadvantage for installation. MDF is, however, widely-used in the remodeling and construction industry for its low cost and relative durability. In cabinet-making,

MDF is used to make doors, shelves, and cabinet boxes. Although MDF is widely used today for kitchen cabinetry, like particle board it is not the most popular choice, and we tend to dissuade our customers from using it.

 FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!