|
HomeSolutions interior division focus is on redefining your interior living space. We specialize in the art of designing interior spaces and can tailor a design based on your needs, wants and budget. With proper planning, it's much easier to create the space you've always dreamed of.
Most people don't know where to start: Are you looking to organize or find more space in a smaller kitchen or are you looking to make a bigger kitchen more functional? At HomeSolutions, our talented designers will help align your project to your specific needs. The following are steps you can take to prepare for the first visit with HomeSolutions:
- Inspiration is everywhere! You can find ideas and information in magazines, books, and websites, watch related television shows, or visit manufacturer showrooms.
- Make a list of the improvements you would like to make in your space, and get input from family members.
- Determine a preliminary budget based on your home remodeling priorities.
- Call your HomeSolutions. We can transform your ideas (dreams and needs) into real HomeSolutions.
Below, we've provided some basic information regarding kitchen & bath cabinetry and other remodeling components to use as a starting point. You'll need this information to make important decisions regarding your home remodeling project. When you meet with a HomeSolutions designer, they will help tie in all the valuable information needed to make an educated purchase. Contact us today for your free design consultation.
Kitchens & Bathroom Basics
The first step in selecting cabinetry is to weigh your budget against your desire for customization. Three main categories are available-stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinetry or custom cabinetry - each offering different features and price points.
- Stock Cabinetry - Available in standard sizes in 3" wide increments and 6" height increments. Although it is the least expensive type of cabinetry the quality is good and the lead time to order is short. It's a good choice for homeowners in a tight budget.
- Semi-Custom Cabinetry - These cabinets achieve the best balance between both choices and affordability. Semi-custom lines offer a wide range of options, including wood species, finishes, hardware and drawer construction.
- Custom Cabinetry - Made to meet any need or desire you may have. Cabinet sizes, shapes, finishes, and features are unlimited.
Design tip: Thinking about re-facing? Keep in mind that 70% of a cabinet's price are the doors. With the large variety of cabinets out on the market, you should be able to find cabinets that fit within your budget.
Understanding the structural and style differences of two popular types of construction can help you get the function and look you want.
- Frameless cabinets do not have a front frame. The doors are on this cabinet are attached directly to the sides of the cabinets offering a bit more space.
- Framed cabinets are the traditional way of manufacturing cabinet boxes. It has a front frame around the cabinet opening with the door attached to the opening.
HomeSolutions fact: There is no hard fast design rule that exists to determine when to use either type of cabinet construction. In general, frameless cabinets are used in a contemporary design and faced-framed cabinets are used in a traditional design.
Doors and Drawers:
The way doors and drawers are fitted to a cabinet affect the overall style of the cabinetry (as well as cost).
- Full Inset- sits within the face frame and is flush with the front edges of cabinet box. Looks well in s country style kitchen.
- Partial Overlay- referred to as traditional overlay. The door and drawer fronts are mounted so they rest against the face frame with an overlap of up to 3/4 inch to reveal some of the frame.
- Full Overlay- the doors and drawers are mounted to completely cover the face frame, with a 1/8 inch gap between doors. This is the cleanest look available for contemporary style kitchens.
When people refer to cabinets being constructed of solid wood, they may be referring to the visible parts of the cabinetry - the doors, drawer front and sides, and face frame - the rest of the cabinet is not built with solid wood, and you don't want it to be as solid wood expand and contracts.
The back, side, and bottom are made up of two types of engineered wood:
- Particle board- made from wood flakes, chips, sawdust and formed into layers held together by resin and heated under pressure
- Plywood- is a layering of wood, made up of sheets of wood veneers called plies, and bonded under pressure with glue to form a very strong panel.
Let's look at other items you will need to consider when remodeling:
Appliances
You will select stoves, ovens, ventilation hoods, freezers, refrigerators, dish washers and trash compactors - your primary appliances. Microwaves, built-in (countertop), mixers and broilers may come into play as well. This is one area where you really get what you pay for. Consider your long range occupancy plans, warranty and availability of service as your secondary decision criteria. Budget will come first - but almost always, higher end appliances pay off over the medium to long run.
Countertops
Where you'll spend most of your time "working." Functionality and appearance is going to be important here. The ease of cleaning, the maintenance requirements, and the durability are thing needed to be considered, here are your choices:
|
Back splash
Will protect the back edges of the countertop, seal the counter and protect the wall from spills and damages. This is also where you can create the most visual effect by using different colors, textures and materials, most popular material- tile (mosaics),glass, stone, stainless steel, copper or even just paint.
Sinks & Faucets
Think preparation and clean-up and also picture stylish centerpieces of the sink. These two rank on the top of kitchen & bath essentials. Will you need dual-sinks or would you like a vessel sink for your bath? Will the faucet accommodate the sink and overall kitchen or bath style?
Flooring
Along with countertops and cabinetry, flooring makes up the main atmosphere of the kitchen. There are many textures and designs. You have a selection of ceramic tile, stone tile, hardwood, laminate and even vinyl to choose from. Durability and maintenance need to be a consideration as well.
HomeSolutions Add-on: Consider installing radiant heat beneath your new flooring. These systems warm floors which help to radiate heat evenly into rooms
Lighting
This is the single most important aspect of design and can change the feel in the room. HomeSolutions will want you (and anyone you want to show off to) to see your kitchen in it's best light, so we will help you select from accent, ambient, task or decorative lighting and use each type of lighting to it's best advantage.
Ultimately, the kitchen and bath must be aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe. It should do more than just reflect your personal taste. It must suit the needs of all users throughout their life cycle. We provide you with design ideas and options that exceed your expectations in order to create a kitchen and bath that is truly your own. We take your family's needs, likes and dislikes, lifestyle and habits into the drawing room and come to you with the very best option.
Note: HomeSolutions designs and creates new living spaces in basements, attics or help rearrange the layouts on any floor. We will dedicate a page for these services soon.
|
