Five Signs You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen

Some homeowners make a decision to remodel or renovate after years of deliberation. For others, the decision is relatively spontaneous. In both cases, a certain event usually inspires the final decision: a windfall of money; a change in lifestyle; or, perhaps, a structural issue that needs immediate attention.

At MKBD, we're happy to educate our clients about all aspects of the remodeling process. (This blog is a perfect example). However, we do appreciate deliberative clients. Whatever the instigating "event," deliberative homeowners often enjoy an easier remodel. In remodeling, of course, studious planning translates to success. 

While "deliberating" is not the same as "planning," homeowners who have thought about remodeling for some time usually come to the design table equipped with knowledge and studious opinions. 

On other hand, some clients come to the design table with problems that need immediate attention. Often, these clients have ignored the slow deterioration of their kitchen--and then, suddenly, the deterioration hits a peak! 

To avoid this unhappy circumstance, we suggest looking out for possible signs that you will want or need a remodeling project soon. 

Five Signs You Need to Remodel 

Old Appliances

Old appliances offer a clue to the general condition of the kitchen. If the appliances are old, the floors, cabinets, and countertops are likely old, too. As a cue, then, old appliances are simply one easy-to-discern sign of an outdated kitchen. 

But outdated appliances don't merely look old; they act old. Do you have an old, noisy refrigerator? Well, noise is the least of your problems. An aging refrigerator wastes excessive energy while providing lackluster service.

The same is true of most outdated appliances, including your oven, dishwasher, and microwave. New, energy-efficient (Energy Star) models can provide substantial savings in energy while offering a new, refreshing level of functionality (no more spoiled veggies).

Ahh, new appliances. In this MKBD project, the new refrigerator and Bosch double oven provided a new level of functionality--and pleasure.

Improperly Grounded Outlets

In older kitchens, improperly grounded outlets pose a safety (and efficiency) concern. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not able to easily discern this potential problem.

To test your outlet, purchase a circuit tester or a multimeter set to an AC voltage appropriate for your outlet. You want to make sure, too, that all wall outlets are equipped with GFCI outlet protection. To ensure safety, you need one GFCI outlet as the first outlet of a branch--the outlet closest to the breaker.

At MKBD, we can easily address any electrical safety concerns. Give us a call: 215-355-4747.

Like old appliances, improperly grounded outlets are clues to the general condition of the kitchen: if they're old, the kitchen is likely old.

Old Floors

Your kitchen floor is the literal and figurative foundation of your kitchen. Cracked tiles or warped floor board will effect not only the function of your kitchen but the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Like improperly grounded outlets, old floors can present safety concerns, like slips and falls. On the other hand, old floors also pose aesthetic concerns; in a word, their ugly.

A new kitchen floor can be one a beautiful and enduring investments. For the kitchen area, especially, new floors provide a new "foundation" to build upon.

In this Bucks County-area project, hardwood floors replaced old cracked tiles--the result is a safe, beautiful, and durable new floor. 

Old Style

While not necessarily a functional concern, old style can compromise your well-being. A frumpy, old kitchen with outdated cabinets and old, dull paint does not necessarily send an enticing welcome. Does our kitchen bore you? Do your elements feel frumpy?

In recent years, manufacturers have developed new, intriguing materials for your countertops. Over time, tastes in paint color change. Old floors might speak of a different era. All of these style problems can be addressed by a remodeling project.

When you update your style, you inject new life into a space.

Old Design

Today's kitchen often function as the center of family activity, a place to meet and eat. Current designs promote this function, opening the space, and often combining dining and cooking areas.

An older design might feel cramped in comparison. If you find yourself avoiding your kitchen, you're probably not simply avoiding of cooking and cleaning--you're avoiding the claustrophobia of your outdated design.

 In this Bucks County MKBD project--the open floor plan created a dynamic space to cook and eat.

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 Lookbook: Two-Tone Designs

One the challenges of a kitchen remodeling project is perfecting the palette. The right colors will unify the kitchen elements, creating a warm and inviting theme. The wrong colors, however, can feel jarring, making each kitchen element appear out of place.

To simplify the challenge, many homeowners prefer a single-color theme with subtle or striking accents. Some homeowners, however, prefer a two-tone theme, with subtle or bold combinations.

To achieve a balanced two-tone look, you might paint your cabinets a light shade, like bright white, and ground the palette with darker countertops and floors.

Or, if you paint your cabinets a light creme, you might add a darker backsplash to cut the monotony. 

Looking for two-tone inspiration? Recently, MKBD had the privilege of creating two-tone kitchens for three happy homeowners.

Take a look at our Two-Two Kitchen Lookbook below.

A Tasteful & Practical Design

In our first project, the homeowners preferred a tasteful and practical design that would suit the family's personality.

A tasteful and practical design from MKBD with a little nook for eating.

Like many MKBD projects, this space experienced a total transformation. To make room for double ovens, pantry closets, and extra cabinets and counter tops, we moved the fridge from the window wall to a more convenient spot across the kitchen.

The refrigerator and stove are paired together for easy cooking access.

To perfect the two-tone look the kitchen required a central piece, which turned out to be the kitchen island. Painted a deep cherry red with an exotic stone countertop, the island provided a bold contrast to the white cabinets finished with an espresso glaze and the gold wood floors.

A Two-Tone Shaker Kitchen

Officially known as The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, the Shakers are known for the ecstatic nature of their services. Still, the church is where the ecstasy begins and ends. Simplicity defines the Shaker lifestyle and the sect's famous furniture and architecture.

A two-tone kitchen with Shaker-inspired cabinetry

For this MKBD project, our clients desired a simplicity of Shaker craftsmanship and the elegance of modern design. Happily, the Shaker-inspired cabinetry is a good match for any style or fashion--this is, after all, the utility of simple and timeless design.

Maple cabinets finished white with white beveled ceramic backsplash

In this project, a shift of tone is seen the subtle granite in "Bianco Antico"--a greyish white melange--but, like the project above, the real distinction is the darker kitchen island cabinets.

Cherry Shaker cabinets finished in a cherry stain provide a bold contrast to the white Shaker cabinets and white backsplash.

Both of the MKBD projects above adhere to the same principle: the kitchen island, the centerpiece of the kitchen, provides the bold second tone to offset the neutral cabinetry and countertops.


A Traditional Two-Tone Kitchen

In this traditional kitchen, the floor is a bit darker shade of walnut, a nice contrast to the maple cabinetry finished in white and the island cabinetry finished in cherry.

A quartz kitchen island countertop provides yet another distinction; note the cooktop with range hood, a unique design in a traditional space

This project required a lot of planning. By removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we created an "open floor" plan. In such a large space, the two-tone effect makes each distinctive space come alive.

A perfect two-tone effect

Why MKBD? 

We hope our website can provide you with all the information you might need about our company. If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, please do not hesitate to call us: 215-355-4747.

Some homeowners choose to call a remodeling company only after they have spent countless hours researching their project. We're all for research, but including a home remodeling company at the very beginning of the exploration process can increase your chances of success. 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?

Remember: Take advantage of our FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

And if you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation.

Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

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!

Three Simple Tips for a Small Kitchen Design

A big kitchen space is the envy of most homeowners. Who wouldn't want a space that can easily accommodate meal prep and entertainment. At MKBD, we've remodeled both large kitchens and small kitchens that "borrowed" space from adjoining rooms (as in the "open floor" plan below).

An"open floor" plan that combines the kitchen and dining area--like in this Bucks County MKBD project-- can add space to an otherwise cramped kitchen.

Unfortunately, many small kitchens cannot reasonably borrow space from adjoining rooms. Because of issues with exhaust, many older homes were long ago designed with smaller kitchens that were meant to be separated from the rest of the home. For this reason, for most of American history, the kitchen did not enjoy abundant space. As we noted before in our article on kitchen entertaining:

"In America, the kitchen as the "center of the house" is a relatively recent development, inspired by the evolving dynamics of dining and gender roles. For centuries, the kitchen served a function quite distinct from dining: cooking and cleaning. Dining was reserved for the dining room, or later, in front of the TV, in the family room."

The Wikipedia page on kitchens has some fascinating information about the evolution of the space, including the fact that in the 1980s the perfection of the extraction hood "allowed an open kitchen again, integrated more or less with the living room without causing the whole apartment or house to smell. Before that, only a few earlier experiments, typically in newly built upper-middle-class family homes, had open kitchens."

If you live in a newer house, then, you're probably lucky enough to enjoy ample kitchen space.

But what about homeowners with smaller kitchen spaces? We're here to tell the small kitchen owners: Do no fret! With a quality design that emphasizes efficiency, you too can enjoy the benefits of a kitchen remodeling project.

In this University City MKBD project, the old, cramped kitchen, which originally featured poor lighting and a terrible layout, was transformed to a modern, efficient space. 

It's All About Design

We've been remodeling homes in the Philadelphia area for over thirty years, yet we continue to feel confounded by poorly-designed kitchens. Like it or not, many spaces have not been designed by even reasonably talented architects. And unfortunately, many kitchens seem to have received the worst treatment.

The key to small kitchen design is minimizing clutter and maximizing efficiency. Remember, no matter the size, "A Beautiful Kitchen is a Clutter-Free Kitchen."And yet, for a smaller kitchen efficiency is everything. So streamline your design. Do away with unnecessary frills. Keep it simple! Try to leave the design as "open" as possible.

As we noted before:

"In the past, designers have included extra space, like additional counter tops or cabinets, to make kitchen designs that can easily house additional supplies and appliances. Yet we've learned from experience that additional space is not really the solution. It is not necessary for every square inch of your kitchen to offer a space for supplies and appliances. In fact, a fundamental truth of professional kitchen often applies to home kitchens: the less available counter and cabinet space the better!"

Another view of our University City-are remodeling project.

Make Your Cabinets Count 

In the University City project above, MKBD's experienced crew members rearranged the appliances and created storage space with new maple cabinetry accessorized with drawer interiors so the homeowners could make use of all the nooks and crannies.

Efficient cabinets and drawers should increase accessibility and convenience. One good option is sliding cabinets like those often found under the sink for trash and recycling.

Keep the Color Palette Simple

Like the design itself, simplified color can harmonize a small space that might otherwise suffer from a busy palette. In the University City project above, new maple cabinetry was lightly stained, complementing the neutral floors and granite countertops. The look is  simple and cheerful.

In the Center City project below, the clients requested a neutral palette with a clean backsplash. Both emphasize the kitchen's best feature: simplicity.

Natural light emphasizes the simplicity of the Center City MKBD project.

A simple palette with a clean backsplash.

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!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Design Tips

More than any room in the house, the kitchen is a true work area. So from layout to appliances, every design choice should be made with this simple idea in mind: efficiency trumps style.

Efficiency is especially important for families with kids. For families with little kids, in fact, a functional kitchen that eases the burden of cooking and cleaning defines the success of the project.

It's surprising, then, that so many parents seemingly neglect the issue of kids altogether when designing a new kitchen. In our experience, no matter the family's composition--from couples to families with five children--homeowners desire beauty first, functionality second.

The best kitchen designs promote efficiency without sacrificing style. At MKBD, we're proud to design and build both functional and fabulous kitchens.

In this MKBD project, the granite countertops, wooden cabinets, and extensive lighting positively scream, "beauty," but the practical design choices, like placing the cooktop and an extra sink on the long kitchen island whisper "functionality."

In the MKBD project above the design choices were made with kids in mind--albeit, older kids, who could easily help with dinner prep at the long kitchen island. If you're a parent, though, the fact remains: your design choices must account for your kids--young or old.

If you're a parent, you'd do well to consider a few special design tips for your kitchen remodeling project.

Materials

Obviously, the best kid-friendly materials will be those that are both impervious to scratches and stains and easy-to-clean.

For cabinets, we always suggest durable hardwood for every family. Hardwood is both beautiful and durable. Ideally, however, you will stain your hardwood a darker color to account for potential stains.

Make sure you choose an appropriate kid-friendly countertop material, too. Laminate is often suggested for families. Solid surface materials, made from solid synthetic materials, are a recent popular choice. But believe it or not, granite can be a great option, too. Granite can stain, but today's quality sealants eliminate this problem.

For kid-friendly flooring options, do not be afraid to look beyond traditional materials. You want to stick to softer materials that are easy-to-clean, like vinyl or linoleum. A recent popular option that can replicate the beauty of wood is natural cork.

A darker cabinet stain and sealed granite counters, ensure that this MKBD project is both beautiful and kid-friendly.

Kid-Friendly Design Choices

With kids in the kitchen, the work space can get crowded quickly. To ease traffic flow, then, design a layout with clear work (or play) areas that are clearly divided.

A kitchen island can work wonders for a busy family. The island itself can provide a barrier between the work area and the entertainment area, yet it can also provide a space for the children to help with prep work, or perhaps do homework while Mom or Dad is cooking dinner.

In this simple kitchen renovation, MKBD built a kitchen island with a range to accommodate the needs of a family with older children who share cooking duties.

The kitchen island can work for both young and older kids, yet if you want a uniquely kid-friendly kitchen, you might consider lower counters. Engaging kids with the cooking process is the best way to encourage them to actually eat good food, which is every parent's perennial challenge. A lowered counter just might bridge the gap between the adult world of the kitchen and the kid world way below.

As the Washington Post suggests:

"If you want your children to help with the cooking, you might want to consider a lower work surface. Standard kitchen counter height for adults is 36 inches; kids need a work surface that is about six inches lower. When ordering new cabinets, you can incorporate a section of lower counter into its design, and this will make some cooking tasks easier for you long after your kids have grown and left the nest."

We've designed family-friendly kitchens with lower countertops for the children and parents have offered glowing reports: "Our five-year-old son is actually helping and eating," one mother told us.

Music to our ears. No matter the height, just remember to use a child-friendly countertop material (see above).

And, of course, if you have small children, remember to install cabinet safety locks on cabinets within the child's reach.

Child-proofing the cabinets is a no-brainer, but you do not have to make the entire kitchen child proof. Just make sure you have storage space to keep some of the more dangerous kitchen tools out-of-reach.

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 bathroom design and more! Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

Kitchen Design for Entertaining

In America, the kitchen as the "center of the house" is a relatively recent development, inspired by the evolving dynamics of dining and gender roles. For centuries, the kitchen served a function quite distinct from dining: cooking and cleaning. Dining was reserved for the dining room, or later, in front of the TV, in the family room.

Also, traditionally the domain of the female of the house, the kitchen's function changed as gender roles changed and males and females began to share more household duties.

In the latter half of the 20th century, then, family activity moved from the family room to the kitchen. Today this shift is reflected in many ways--not merely in the where and who of dining and cooking, but in kitchen design.

As John Petrie, of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, says, "The kitchen was really a closed-off spot for a long time. Now people want the kitchen to be an active part of the family home." [Source].

To accommodate this desire, kitchens are often now designed with "open" floor plans that combine several rooms in one: the kitchen and dining room, for example. The open floor plan creates a fluid sense of space, the rooms blending into each other.

Despite the fluidity, though, many homeowners report that the kitchen itself is the de-facto spot for congregating. This is true for both open and closed kitchen designs.

Perhaps people just want to be near the food--or the action of cooking the food. The smells and colors can certainly be enticing. Or perhaps its the draw of the cook(s). The kitchen, after all, is the best place to interact with the cook(s).

Whatever the reason, it's clear that a kitchen's function no longer need be purely functional. Today's kitchens can also serve as entertainment centers. If your're the entertaining type, you might enjoy a few of the kitchen design elements below.

While not essential, an "open" floor plan that combines the kitchen and dining area--like in this Bucks County MKBD project-- eases the congestion, making the kitchen the natural choice for congregation.

The Open Floor Plan

If your family and/or guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, why not make the space itself bigger? An open floor plan (as noted above) combines several rooms into one by eliminating impeding walls and other obstructions.

The great advantage of the open floor plan is, of course, space. Instead of cramming into a cramp, closed space, your family and/or guests can hang "around" the kitchen without actually being "in" the kitchen.

On the other hand, if your family includes multiple cooks, an open floor plan gives you the option of enlarging the cooking area to accommodate multiple cooking stations.

Talk to your design team about the viability of a open floor plan. It might be hard to imagine knocking down walls, but often this work can be done quite quickly and efficiently.

The Kitchen Island

For the home cook, the great annoyance of entertaining is working in a crowded environment. As noted above, guests simply cannot stay away from the food! If you're like most cooks, then, you fight an eternal war for space--especially counter space. The solution? The kitchen island!

The advantage of the kitchen island is two-fold: it creates a barrier between the "work" area and "entertainment" area; and it creates additional space for work and/or serving.

The kitchen island is also the perfect spot for your "helpers." You know those antsy guests who just can't help but ask, "What can I do?" Our suggestion? Sit these guests away from the action, at the kitchen island, and give them small tasks to perform. Pluck the string beans! Peel the Brussels sprouts! Juice the lemons!

Note how the kitchen island in this Fort Washington MKBD project separates the kitchen from the dining area. It also provides a place for guests to relax and a space for prep work. 

An Eat-In Area

Distinct from an open-floor plan--where the dining area lies next tot he kitchen--the eat-in kitchen area places the dining experience in the kitchen.

Also not to be confused with a kitchen island, which is by nature elevated, the eat-in area will necessarily include a dining table or banquette--essentially, a bench.

The eat-in kitchen is the perfect antidote for a busy family for whom cooking and eating is all one seamless ritual. If you're the type of family to eat while standing, perhaps an eat-in kitchen can, ahem, inspire some civility!

Part kitchen island part eat-in area, this MKBD remodeling wonder is perfect for entertaining. 

A Wine Fridge

Ahh, the wine fridge, the perfect addition to any entertainment center. With proper planning, your can install a wine fridge that fits seamlessly into your kitchen design.

In the project above, the wine fridge was built into the kitchen island. This design saved valuable cabinet space in the kitchen work area while also making the wine easily accessible to guests. If you do install a wine fridge, just make sure you meet the bog challenge: keeping it stocked!

In this MKBD project, the kitchen island includes a wine fridge and multiple drawers for storage!

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!

Three Inventive Kitchen Remodeling Themes

After a recessionary dip in home remodeling spending, the industry has recovered impressively. As the Boston Globe reported this summer:

"There was a time, not long ago, when home renovations slowed to a trickle, with homeowners wary about making anything but the most essential fixes. Now, they are not only willing to spend, but to spend big."

The uptick in spending has occasioned an unprecedented boom in remodeling choices. For the the kitchen and bathroom, especially, the choices can seem endless--and overwhelming. And yet, a well-planned and well-executed remodeling project is certainly worth the effort.

The Boston Globe, for example, tells the story of David Sinclair and Sandra Luikenhuis:

"The couple knew it was time to renovate two bathrooms in their Chestnut Hill house when water started leaking. But they used the opportunity to transform the dated bathrooms into sleek, modern spaces, finished with high-end materials like teak and quartz. The cost was significant: about $50,000 per bathroom.

'I never thought I’d like to hang out in a bathroom, but now I do,' said Sinclair."

If you're feeling enticed by Sinclair's quote, don't let the abundance of options stop you in your tracks. There are plenty of ways to simplify your experience. At MKBD, we often suggest that client's think, first, of kitchen styles or bathroom types. Some homeowners even prefer to think thematically.

A thematic approach to remodeling can help you easily define the exact look and feel of your project. If you feel hamstrung by the seemingly limited styles or types, you might want to think, instead, of your favorite city in the world, or perhaps your favorite movie. The idea of a thematically-based remodeling project may seem esoteric, but a good remodeling company should be able to translate almost any theme into the embodiment of your dreams.

So what is your dream remodeling project? Need some inspiration? Take a look at our few of MKBD's exclusive projects for some ideas.

This week we'll share three inventive kitchen themes. Check back next weekend for a few inspiring bathroom themes.

A Shaker-Inspired Kitchen

The Shakers are a religious sect of Quakers known for pacifism as well as a communal lifestyle that values celibacy and equality of the sexes. They're officially known as The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, yet they've been called the Shakers since their inception--"shaker" referring to the ecstatic nature of their religious services.

Still, the church is where the ecstasy begins and ends: simplicity defines the Shaker lifestyle as well as the sect's famous furniture and architecture.

For this MKBD project, our clients desired a simplicity that echoed the Shaker lifestyle. Implicit in this theme, too, was a desire for attention to detail. After all, as Wikipedia notes, the Shakers "designed their furniture with care, believing that making something well was in itself, 'an act of prayer'."

Blending the timeless simplicity of the Shakers with a modern sensibility, MKBD produced a space with natural materials, clean simple, lines, a warm brown palette, and careful details, like a custom-built pantry closet and a double granite sink.

A custom-built pantry worthy of the Shakers!

The granite double sink. 

A French Country Kitchen

The French Country theme is one of the most popular and enduring themes--and for good reason. Easily adaptable to a wide range of home styles, French Country emphasizes old world rusticity, a casual milieu, and a welcoming color palette.

In this MKBD project, the client desired a walnut floor with wide tiles reminiscent of the informal elegance of Southern France.

Interior brick walls are a distinctive feature of French Country-inspired remodeling projects. Here the hard wood cabinets have been painted white to complement the off-white brick wall. Note the huge butcher block cutting board, a simple, rustic touch that will certainly prove useful for prep work. 

The chandelier (located above the kitchen table) illustrates an important point about remodeling: you are not bound by any single style or theme. The French Country theme may call for informal elegance, but our clients also wished to add an element of formal elegance. Here, the chandelier provides a glitzy counterpoint to the rustic details of the kitchen.

Warmth & Beauty: A "One of a Kind" Kitchen

Remember, a theme need not be regulated to places or architectural styles. The advantage of thinking thematically is the that you can choose words, colors, or feelings that best suit your mood.

For this MKBD project, the client wanted a kitchen that conveyed "warmth & beauty," yet was also utterly original--"one of a kind," as our client said. The pictures below our a testament to how a homeowner's creativity, translated into reality by a talented home remodeling company, can yield truly impressive results.

MKBD's specialty is our ability to attentively listen to every client request--no matter how fantastic. We pride ourselves on delivering our client's precise desires. This project required an extraordinary amount of planning and construction skills to install a functioning gas fireplace. 

Warmth and beauty, indeed! Everyone who sees this kitchen struggles to believe that the fireplace is real. We can assure you–it is absolutely real. Anyone who stands within six feet of this fireplace senses the enveloping warmth of this feat of remodeling ingenuity.

Beyond the functioning fireplace, this homeowner desired an uninterrupted color palette--evidenced here by the pantry and refrigerator, which are both covered by decorative hardwood inlays.

A solid birch hardwood floor balances custom-made maple cabinets, a perfect harmony of warmth and beauty!

***

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

Avoid These Kitchen Remodeling Planning Mistakes

If you're looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, the Internet can feel at once inspiring and overwhelming. Sites like Pinterest and Houzz offer treasure troves of beautifully curated images, helpful tips and tricks, and plenty of links to products and services. Yet the sheer abundance of information can lead some homeowners astray.

Remember the wisdom of the popular idiom: too many cooks spoil the broth. The same is true of kitchen remodeling: too many ideas can derail a project! Over-planning a kitchen is just one of many remodeling mistakes--or as the Internet likes to call them "disasters."

The Internet is a great place to strike within you the fear of the kitchen remodeling gods!

Hestia, the eldest child of Kronos and Rhea, was the Greek goddess of the hearth and home. Happily, Hestia did not have a weapon: she abhorred the violence of her brother, Zues.

If you've researched your project online, you've undoubtedly read a remodeling horror story (or two, or three...) Quite simply, the web is loaded with remodeling disaster stories. Most of these stories follow a similar pattern: the homeowner's expectations for a project are subverted in some small or large way.

MKBD has performed successful kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects since 1983--and we've learned that by honestly assessing your project’s potential pitfalls, you can reduce the frequency, magnitude, and, most importantly, cost of mistakes. We're not here to tell you that mistakes do not happen. They often do! The key to a successful project is not eliminating mistakes--but limiting mistakes. And proper planning can certainly help.

However, some homeowners overdo it. Proper planning is about setting about reasonable expectations. If you're in the kitchen remodeling planning stage, make sure you avoid the following planning mistakes.


Over-Planning 

In a sense, "over-planning" is a misnomer: studious planning is really the key to kitchen remodeling success. Yet, it is important to remember: the actual remodeling project might not conform precisely to your plan. For this reason, it is helpful to be adaptable: change the plan when appropriate, especially when considering potential mistakes. 

Obviously, mistakes cost money, but the biggest mistake might be not accounting for mistakes in your budget. Your remodeling company or contractor might not discover potential problems--like plumbing or electrical challenges--until the work begins. So leave a portion of your budget for dealing with this unforeseen problems.

Unrealistic Expectations: The Completion Date

Unrealistic expectations can transform an otherwise brilliant project into a nightmare, and often the main source of contention between homeowners and remodeling companies or contractors is the completion date.

Kitchen remodeling projects often exceed the stated completion date. It's helpful to accept this before your begin the project. It's also helpful to let your remodeling company or contractor tell you the completion date--instead of the other way around.

By placing undue stress on your workers to finish by a certain date, you might inadvertently compromise the quality of your project. If you're concerned about the completion date, talk to your lead contact about a reasonable timetable that accounts for potential setbacks before work begins.

The "before and after" photos below reveal a tremendous transformation. Remember, this sort of transformation will take time! With realistic expectations, you will feel happy about your project, from beginning to end.

Before: For this MKBD project, the homeowners desired a total kitchen transformation with impeccable design. The "after" pictures below reveal a true dream makeover!

After: Every detail here, from the built-in warming drawer to high-grade kitchen hardware provides confidence and spark. Warm paint colors on the kitchen walls complement glazed maple cabinets with gorgeous pink granite countertops. Eye-popping red exotic hardwood floors provide the final punch for this beautiful kitchen. MKBD designers wanted to get every detail right in this new kitchen and worked tirelessly to give homeowners a kitchen of their dream. 

Overspending: Spending Too Much Money

Overspending covers two distinctive ideas: spending too much money and wasting. The first idea, spending too much money, is likely on most homeowner's minds, but surprisingly few homeowners recognize how to avoid this mistake.

Quite simply: the kitchen remodeling industry is very competitive; with so many vendors vying for your business, you have the power to negotiate the best deal for you. To adequately equip yourself, do your research about product quality and prices, and negotiate for every product and service. Otherwise, you're simply accepting prices at face value.

Negotiation could amount to some serious savings--and that's money you can reserve for potential mistakes or for a more diverse array of high quality products.

For this Fort Washington-area remodeling project, the client was uncompromising about purchasing the highest quality materials at the lowest possible price, from the custom-made cherry cabinets to the green sea granite countertops.

Overspending: Wasting Money

The remodeling project above is a great example of a homeowner spending his money wisely by purchasing only the highest quality materials. Another way that homeowners waste money is by seeking the lowest price, which often equates to the lowest quality. It's far better to seek higher-priced options, then (as we note above) negotiate the price.

It might seem like a paradox, but the quickest route to wasting money is spending too little money. We often see this problem with DIY projects. A DIY project can save you thousands of dollars on labor fees--only if you know what you're doing. If you're not sure how to install a dishwasher, for example, you might make a mistake that could cost you dearly! If you hire a high quality professional, you will avoid the risk and hassle of a DIY project.

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A kitchen remodeling projects require a significant financial investment. Some remodeling companies might try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge. At MKBD, we strive to educate our customers--just read our blog! We tell you the secrets other remodeling companies don't want you to know. We empower customers. You will find many answers on this very blog! However, if you can't find the answer you're looking for, please call us: (215) 355-4747.

The Kitchen Island: Mise en Place & More!

If you're a serious home cook, you probably have a healthy respect for mise en place, a French term that means "to put in place." The term is used in culinary schools and professional kitchens to illustrate an essential cooking practice: the organization of ingredients and utensils that a cook requires for each given meal.

If you've ever watched a cooking show, you've undoubtedly seen mise en place in action. Just think of Emeril's little dishes of pre-chopped herbs or precisely measured spices. Performing all of this work in advance eases the cooking experience, and minimizes mistakes.

Some cooks might dispute the value of mise en place, but no serious cook disputes the value of organization. And to be organized, a cook needs space!

Unfortunately, if you're like most home cooks you wage a never-ending war for kitchen counter space. Too often, children and spouses fill the kitchen with bags and purses and basketballs--items that have nothing to do with your cooking aspirations.

So what to do?

At Master Kitchen & Bath Design, we've helped many homeowners solve the space dilemma with simple changes to the kitchen layout. Check out "Kitchen Remodeling Costs: Four Key Questions" for a brief view of common kitchen layouts.

Believe it or not, many home kitchens are poorly-designed, and certainly not at all optimized for maximum efficiency.

By maximizing efficiency you necessarily maximize available space--although you still might have to fight that war for space! Now, of course, a home cook will probably always fight for all available space, but a kitchen renovation can also offer a painless solution: more space!

Need More Prep Space? How About a Kitchen Island?

If you have sufficient floor space, a kitchen island just might be the easiest solution to the space dilemma. A kitchen island provides an abundance of prep space with enough left over to store the occasional bag or two--not that you'd allow that!

Better yet, a kitchen island divides the kitchen in two, creating a space away from the action for family and friends to relax while the home cook works without interference.

In this simple kitchen renovation, MKBD built a kitchen island with a range to accommodate the needs of a family who share cooking duties and do not need a perfect work triangle (see below).

The Kitchen Island and the Work Triangle

A kitchen island works best with the U-shaped or L-shaped designs or the open-floor plan. Each plan can easily provide the space for a kitchen island, and each is amenable to accommodating or changing the traditional notion of the work triangle.

The work triangle is defined as a three-point work station, from the sink, to range, to refrigerator and back to the sink. You might've heard that the work triangle is an essential feature of most kitchen remodeling projects, but more and more kitchen designs are challenging the doctrine of the triangle for a more expansive view of work space. As kitchens.com writes:

"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."

So a kitchen island might help to create a perfect kitchen triangle:

Image courtesy of www.kitchens.com.

But a kitchen island might otherwise actually disrupt the equanimity of a perfect work triangle--as in the MKBD photo above. In the above MKBD project, you might notice that the refrigerator is not seen in the photo, but the island nevertheless creates a triangle with the sink and adjacent countertop.

In reality, in this case, the island creates multiple work stations with multiple traffic patterns--like a mini professional kitchen. And this could be a good thing if you share cooking duties with other family members.

So when considering how a kitchen island for your space, ask yourself: Do I cook alone or with other family members? If you cook alone, try to ensure that the island maintains the integrity of the work triangle. If you cook with others, forget the triangle!

 Additional Benefits of the Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can offer much more than additional work space. Just look at the range in the MKBD project above. Beyond a space for a cooking range (or dishwasher or wine fridge), an island can also provide extra storage space.

In this MKBD project, we built an island with a wine fridge and multiple drawers for storage!

Kitchen islands also offer the ability to increase electrical outlets. According to the electrical code, for example, all countertops must include two or more outlets. And with more outlets comes more appliances. Pay heed appliance junkies!

Finally, the choice to add additions like an oven range or sink is dependent on the cook's needs. Many cooks relish the opportunity to use a new countertop exclusively for prep space. Imagine the mise en place possibilities!

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!

How to Choose a Unique Kitchen Style For Your Family

The kitchen remodeling industry is booming, and more and more homeowners are spending their well-earned money on "big-ticket" remodeling projects. With the increase in spending, the industry is offering an unprecedented variety of options.

Unfortunately, this variety often stymies even the most industrious homeowners. From the ceaseless amount of kitchen appliances to endless flooring options--not to mention the lighting, backsplash, and cabinets--today's homeowner face a bewildering amount of remodeling decisions.

So how do you cope?

At Master Kitchen & Bath Design, we advise our clients to refine the process by choosing a preferred décor style based on your family's unique temperament.

Your custom-designed kitchen can inspire the thrilling excitement of a professional kitchen or the humble contentment of a Hobbit-hole. Either way, when you choose a distinctive style, you will necessarily limit your choices--and this is a good thing! By designing a kitchen to suit your family's personality, you can create a space that truly inspires contentment.

For this MKBD project, the family desired a simple, yet elegant retreat, so we advised warm colors, cabinets with windows, and a classic layout.

In most modern homes, the kitchen layout determines the tone for the entire house.  

Contemporary kitchens tend to be bright, airy, and clutter-free. If you prefer a minimalist design, you might do best with a contemporary kitchen design. A contemporary design also tends to include soft lines and curves as well as an effortless blending of various design elements. Spas and health centers around the world exploit this design to inspire a mood of renewal and relaxation. If you're looking a simple space that evokes a spa-like ambiance, try a contemporary design.

A modern kitchen is defined by geometric shapes or patterns, neutral colors, and eclectic fixtures. A modern kitchen is best suited for the innovative family who prefers style and a dash of originality. Modern designs might include artistic sculptures, glass tables, or a rectangular mirror positioned above the cooking area.

Traditional kitchens might appear dim in contrast to a contemporary kitchens, but for those who prefer subtle lighting a better description is warmth. A traditional kitchen is perfect for the family that prefers a cozy space with copious details. Indeed, a traditional kitchen might appear relatively crowded (in comparison to the contemporary and modern styles) with vintage knick-knacks, decorative curly designs, cabinets supported by decorative brackets, or floor furniture with thick legs. But if your family is the type that enjoys the distinctive charm of an antique shop or bed & breakfast, you might do best with a traditional kitchen design.

The backsplash in this Philadelphia kitchen is inspired by the ornate logic of the traditional style, but the professional-grade stove top is purely modern.

Of course, homeowners will add your own touch to these distinctive kitchen styles, but how do you decide what décor style is best for you and your family?

When choosing a style for your next kitchen remodeling project, look to your current home style for inspiration. Homeowners often mistakenly believe that a modern kitchen will create a nice juxtaposition for a traditional-style house, or vice versa, but the result is often discomfiting.

Just imagine: You walk into the foyer of a traditional-style home and see two antique chairs supported by thick legs with engravings, and white light bulbs shaped like candles in the windows. The corridor leads to the living room, where you see two pattered couches with silk pillows, a rocking chair with wooden curls at the chair base, and honey-hued wooden floors. The living room has three walls adorned with family pictures, and a fourth wall opens to a a clean, spacious modern kitchen with a recessed spotlight in the ceiling placed right above a rectangular kitchen island with two stainless steel stools. On the counter, a glass mosaic backsplash borders stainless steel cabinets.

Feeling confused?  Well, you guests just might feel confused, too!

The key is consistency. This is why we suggest choosing a style based on your family's unique personality. Remember, your designing this kitchen for your enjoyment, so make it feel like a second home.

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!