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.

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!

How to Preserve the Charm of an Old Kitchen

Older homes have their charms: sturdy construction, vintage details, and original hardwood floors, to name a few. People who buy older homes love these details.For all the vintage allure, however, older homes also present certain remodeling challenges.

The difference between vintage and outdated is subtle, yet important. "Vintage" is timelessly appealing, but "outdated" just feels stodgy and tired. Sadly, the latter is often the case with the kitchens in older homes.

Today the kitchen is the center of the home, a place for the family to meet and eat. In the past, the kitchen was the provenance of the family chef, the space designed for a specific duty: to cook.

Old kitchens are smaller; and without the benefit of any serious remodeling, these kitchens often display outdated materials and appliances. Old kitchens also often share the charm of the home--even if its buried under laminate. A good remodeling project transforms an outdated space to new without losing the vintage charm.

Over the years, MKBD has remodeled more than a few outdated kitchens. For pictures and remodeling tips, read below.

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

New Floors or Refinish old Floors? 

Some older kitchen benefit from timeless materials; some do not. In the project above, we discovered beautiful hardwood floors--a perfect option for refinishing. Whether to refinish or replace is personal preference, but timeless materials like wood can often be refinished with relatively little hassle.

Beyond wood, most other old materials, like linoleum or tiles, are best replaced. Old linoleum can look stodgy, and most tile floors suffer from cracks. Ceramic tiles are prone to cracking when the floor below has structural movement. For some kitchen updates, then, we recommend replacing the subfloor, too.

A tri-color tile floor, imported from Italy, is a perfect addition to this older kitchen

New Cabinets or Refinish old Cabinets?

Like wood floors, refinishing can be a good option for cabinets, too, which are often made of wood, yet have suffered from wear and tear over the years. Some wood cabinets can look "outdated"; often a simple refacing is all that is needed to revive the vintage appeal.

The timeless simplicity of wood Shaker cabinets, which are an excellent option for refinishing. On the other hand, new Shaker cabinets like these are an investment that will last for decades.

Many older cabinets are actually more durable than today's pre-built cabinets. (At MKBD, we build our cabinets from scratch, so this is not an issue).

In many older kitchens. however, the cabinets are beyond a simple refacing. If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, new wood cabinets will evoke vintage charm yet provide years of durability.

New wood cabinets, like these cherry cabinets, are a great investment. After years of wear and tear, they might be in need of a simple refinishing.

Replace Those old Countertops

Countertops are often the stodgiest part of old kitchens. Standard laminate counters can look worn after years of use, and are good candidates for replacement.

Here's what the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has to say about laminate replacement:

"If your countertops are old and generally worn over a large area, the best repair is to recover them with new laminate. While the job is not particularly difficult, it does require a wide variety of skills new to most homeowners. You'll have to disconnect the plumbing, remove the sink, and cut, apply, and trim the laminate. Then the sink has to be replaced and reconnected, and some trim may be required."

Another option, of course, is replacing the laminate altogether with a durable material like granite.

In this MKBD project, we replaced the old laminate with beautiful granite.

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!

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!

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.

***

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 Cook: Part Two

Last week we posted the first part of a two-part blog with some kitchen remodeling tips for the serious cook. If you're looking for chef-worthy advice on kitchen layouts, kitchen appliances, and kitchen cabinets please read "Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Cook: Part One."

Today we will speak about the best cook-savvy options for kitchen sinks, floors, and countertops.

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.

A Kitchen Sink for the Cook: Clean as You Go!

Efficiency is the cook's mantra, and no idea expresses this mantra as much as mise en place, a French term that means "to put in place." This term is used in professional kitchens to illustrate an simple, yet crucial practice: the organization of ingredients and utensils required for each given meal.

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 to work in a clean kitchen. Some wayward family members might dispute this notion, but no cook will doubt the singular edict that goes hand-in-hand with mise en place: clean as you go!

More than the cooking range or oven, the sink is the real kitchen work center. The simple truth is that the more you cook the more dishes you create. For this reason, we suggest that serious cooks add a large sink to any kitchen remodeling project--the largest that fits; large enough even to hold a big baby. 

A large sink is the best option for cooks--and babies!

Instead of a double sink, we often suggest a single large bowl. In a double sink, the dividing line cuts down on much-needed space. A single bowl, on the other hand, will naturally hold more dishes at once, making before and after cleaning easier. A large sink bowl will also hide any last-minute dirty dishes while also leaving some room to strain the pasta.

Square shapes are best. Rounded designs, while attractive, might reduce the work area.

Finally, you might follow the knowledge of certain busy home cooks, who install two sinks in two different areas!

In this French Country-style remodeling project, MKBD installed two large square bowls, side-by-side, to maximize the crucial work area.

The Best Kitchen Floor for the Serious Cook

Quarry tile is the floor material of choice for professional kitchens. Made from red clay that is fired to make it durable and long-lasting, quarry tile is a practical choice for serious wear and tear. The problem with an extremely durable floor like quarry tile--or any other non-resistant surface, like stone or ceramic tile--is that the very durability of the material might mean discomfort for the home cook.

Tough materials also mean tough times for the feet, knees, and joints. If you've ever worked in a professional kitchen, you'll understand the feeling of standing for hours on a hard surface. It's not fun--and indeed, this is why most kitchen install mats to ease the burden of standing.

Obviously, a hard material like quarry tile is not good for a home kitchen. But take the hint from quarry tile and ditch the stone or ceramic tile. If you spend a lot of time in your home kitchen, you want comfort! After all, it's your home--not a restaurant.

A kitchen floor for the home cook, then, should be both durable and comfortable. Fortunately, the kitchen remodeling industry offers plenty of comfortable, yet resilient flooring options.

For the serious home cook, the best flooring options include wood, bamboo, cork, linoleum, or vinyl. Wood, especially, is our favored choice. A favorite among home cooks is wood strip flooring, which is attractive and easy on your knees and joints. With proper care, wood floor can offer the perfect blend of functionality and comfort. Just remember: water damage can warp wooden floors so cooks need to be diligent about wiping up spills.

Hard wood floor--like this tigerwood flooring--is both beautiful and practical.

A Kitchen Countertop for the Cook

Choosing a good countertop material for the cook is not as straightforward as you might assume. A good countertop material for a busy cook must be heat-resistant, yet it should also be impervious to stains and easy-to-clean. The problem is that certain countertop materials, like ceramic, excel at heat-resistance, while other materials are easier to clean.

Once only found in professional kitchens, stainless steel countertops are now finding their way into the kitchens of serious cooks. The great advantage of this professional kitchen workhorse is its perfect combination of durability and heat resistance. Stainless steel is nearly impervious to stains, too.

Just know: Stainless steel requires a bit more cleaning know-how than other materials. And you will need to clean your stainless often to achieve a natural luster. 

Rather than choosing simply stainless steel, however, you might opt for a mix of materials. We like the advice of This Old House for countertops for the cook:

"The best solution is to use a mix. For instance, ceramic tile is a great heatproof surface around the range, but you don't have to tile all your counters. You can even drop a square of tile into a laminate countertop. Your choices will depend on how and what you cook."

In this Hatboro area MKBD project, the savvy homeowner opted for solid granite countertops. Granite offers a certain level of heat and scratch-resistance and is easy to clean.

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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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.

Kitchen Safety: What You Need to Know

The benefits of a kitchen remodeling project are numerous and varied. As we've written on this blog before, a new kitchen can inspire happiness and renewal, and increase efficiency. The most important benefit, however, might just be increased safety.

In our over twenty years of experience at Master Kitchen & Bath Design, surveying thousands of home kitchens, we've spotted many potential perils. From perilous trip hazards to faulty trip switches, we've seen it all. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, cooking dinner has become a "highway to the danger zone."

The problem for most home kitchen is simply age. Indeed, the potential for a "danger zone" increases year after year, and many homeowners simply do not realize that working in an old, outdated kitchen can be dangerous.  With small children and pets, the dangers multiply. For example, are your cleaning products appropriately stored—away from the tiny, prying hands of your toddler or your dog's curious snout?

If you want to ensure your family's safety for years to come, you'd do well to consider a kitchen renovation. At MKBD, we take safety serious! Read our simple "danger assessment tips" below. And after reading, if feel the need to speak to a professional, please give us a call: 215-355-4747. And please feel free to take advantage of our ongoing special: we offer FREE in-home safety checks for all potential customers.

Danger Assessment Tip #1: Inspect Your Refrigerator

Do you have an aging refrigerator chugging away in in the corner? Well, that old beast might pose more problems than noise. An aging refrigerator might not sufficiently cool your food--and that's a serious problem.

Food safety is a serious kitchen safety concern. The best way to ensure that your food is 100% safe is to routinely test your food's temperature and your refrigerator's temperature. There are special thermometers for both: a traditional food thermometer and a refrigerator thermometer.

You're probably familiar with a food thermometer, but you might not be familiar with calibration. A properly-calibrated thermometer is key to ensuring food safety.

Now, to ensure the safest food for your family, try to keep all food out of the so-called "temperature danger zone." Bacteria requires time and moisture to grow, but most microorganisms will be safely kept in check when a food is colder than colder than 41°F or hotter than 135°F.  If a food's temperature is between 41°F and 135°F it is in the "time-temperature danger zone." In this zone, bacteria multiplies quickly, leading to potential problems.

We see these problems in homes with aging refrigerators. The appliance simply does not cool leftovers quickly enough. This is why a refrigerator thermometer can be helpful.The ideal refrigerator temperature is 35°F. If your refrigerator is close to 40°F, you might have a problem. Since the temperature within your fridge can vary rather significantly with normal usage, test the temperature in the morning for a few successive mornings. You want to make sure the temperature is cool and consistent.

For some homeowners, a brand new fridge is not only a luxury, but a necessity. In this MKBD kitchen remodeling project, the client's new fridge provides luxury and safety.

Danger Assessment Tip #2: Ground Your Outlets

In an old kitchen, outdated appliances might not function properly. Worse, electrical outlets might not be properly grounded. An improperly grounded electrical outlet might not be readily apparent to most homeowners.

For example, all wall outlets should be 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.

If that last paragraph seemed foreign to you, we suggest speaking to a professional ASAP. And when you do speak to a professional, make sure he or she is well aware of state and local codes, and follows all safety regulations. Of course, we're happy to address any electrical safety concerns at MKBD. Just give us a call: 215-355-4747.

Danger Assessment Tip #3: Check Your Floor

Cracked tiles? Warped floor boards? If your kitchen floor is damaged, the problem is more than simply aesthetic. A damaged kitchen floor can lead to potential slips and falls. Worse, an old or damaged kitchen floor can be hard to clean.

Did you know there's a "National Floor Safety Institute"? The NFSI focuses on the demands restaurant kitchens, but a recent press release from the organization illuminates a problem that might harm home kitchen workers, too:

"Did you know that more than three million food service workers are injured each year due to work-related slip-and-fall accidents?

According to Russell Kendzior, Founder and President of the NSFI, a key reason why this number is so high is polymerization. This refers to the thin coating of grease, soil, and even cleaning chemicals that develops on kitchen floors over time."

The NSFI's advice is to avoid mopping floors. Our advice is to purchase an easy-to-clean floor. If you're interested in the options, right our recent post, "The Right Kitchen Floor For Your Family."

A new floor provides more than beauty: safety's key in this MKBD project from Dresher.

All of these issues can be properly addressed with by a certified kitchen remodeling project. An updated refrigerator can ease food safety concerns. An electrician can update all outlets and connections. A new floor can prevent slips and falls. You want to feel safe—and a kitchen renovation provides an important opportunity to address any potential danger.

Again, give us a call: 215-355-4747. Take advantage of our ongoing special: we offer FREE in-home safety checks for all potential customers.

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 blog!

The Right Kitchen Floor For Your Family

Many families today treat the kitchen as the "living room," a space to cook and eat--and commune. Unfortunately, the increased foot traffic, not to mention the spaghetti sauce splatters, can wreak havoc on your old kitchen floor.

With the possible exception of your bathroom floor, no floor in your house is exposed to more traffic, moisture, and spills than your kitchen floor. Indeed, the kitchen floor is a glutton for punishment. If your kitchen has an old floor with cracked tiles or warped floorboards, you'd do well to invest in a new floor.

Most kitchen remodeling projects include a new floor--installed after the cabinets and counters to preserve the floor from wear and tear. However, more and more budget-minded homeowners are choosing for a "floor-only" kitchen renovation.

In both cases, a new floor can certainly revivify an old, stodgy kitchen.

Before you begin planning for a new kitchen floor, though, you should know: not all flooring materials are created equal, and not all families have similar flooring needs.

So before you begin your next kitchen remodeling project, make sure you invest in the right floor material for your family.

In this, MKBD project in Dresher, PA, wood floors match the maple suede cabinets

Choosing the Right Kitchen Floor Material

Of course, different families have different preferences, but your choice of kitchen floor materials should be guided, first, by your needs.

As noted above, the kitchen is the new "living room," the new center of activity. So durable flooring is a must for most families, especially if you have kids or pets. The best kitchen flooring material for a family with children and pets should be easy-to-clean, water and stain-resistant, and slip-free, and the most popular kitchen floor material, laminate, just happens to offer all three.  

Laminate is water and stain-resistant and impervious to dents and scratches. And although laminate itself is quite slippery, the market abounds with non-slip laminate solutions. Laminate is the most practical kitchen floor choice.

But what if practicality is not your primary concern? If your first preference is beauty, your best option might be tile or hardwood.

Tile floors offer the most variety in color, texture, and design. Some kitchen renovations even include multiple tiles blended to create a seamless and attractive floor. Just know: tiles offer the most stylish presentation, but they might not be the most comfortable choice for serious cooks and/or children.

In this MKBD project in Holland PA, porcelain tiles create a striking ambience

Depending on the look of your cabinets, your new kitchen floors might blend with your existing colors and textures, or provide a bold counterpoint, as seen in the project above. Hardwood, on the other hand, often blends seamlessly with cabinets, creating an atmosphere of rustic elegance.

Hardwood is undoubtedly beautiful, and with proper care, it can offer the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and style. However, since wood can warp from water damage, homeowners with children or pets need to be diligent in wiping up spills.

Budget-Minded Options

If the cost of a new floor, well, floors you, then you might consider engineered wood or vinyl.

Engineered wood is a budget-minded alternative to solid hardwood, which can be quite pricey. Engineered wood is often impervious to scratches and stains, but it might scratch easily. 

Vinyl is the most inexpensive kitchen flooring option, and can easily be installed in one weekend by a kitchen remodeling company. Vinyl is also the go-to choice for many D.I.Y projects.

If you're considering a D.I.Y. project, you'll certainly need to prepare for a little sweat equity. Before you begin, though, just make sure you know the basics. Did you know, for example, that your old kitchen floor can be covered by as many as three layers of new flooring? Don't go ripping out those old floors if you don't have to!

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!