What are the key differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry?

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Cabinets are one of the most important features in any kitchen or bathroom. They provide vital storage space and support the overall visual aesthetics of the interior. Yet choosing the best cabinetry during a home remodel can take time and effort.

A common question homeowners face is whether to go with stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry. This article explores the main differences between these types of cabinets, together with a detailed look at the pros and cons of each.

What is Stock Cabinetry?

Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured and ready-made with no customization options. Essentially, they are mass-produced in a factory according to set parameters. So what you see is what you’re taking home.

As a retailer’s most basic and entry-level product, the construction methods and materials are often of a lower quality than more bespoke and customizable alternatives. For example, many are simply plywood with veneers and basic hardware.

That said, you can still find stock cabinetry that looks nice and will last a good while, but it’s essential to choose carefully.

Stock cabinetry is typically between $100–$300 per square foot. You can find cabinets in different sizes with options available in 3-inch increments. They can be anything from 9 inches to 48 inches wide and between 30 inches to 36 inches tall.

Due to the non-existent customization options, stock cabinets generally suit regular-shaped kitchens with plenty of long straight lines and space.

Pros

  • Most affordable option
  • Quick turnaround with products in stock and delivery potentially the same day
  • Suitable for regular-shaped kitchens

Cons

  • Lower quality
  • Limited selection
  • Unsuitable for irregular shaped kitchens

What is Semi-Custom Cabinetry?

Semi-custom cabinetry is a hybrid of stock and custom cabinetry. These cabinets are stock units with extra customization options. With semi-custom cabinetry, you have a few more choices.

It’s sometimes difficult to define where the boundaries are when it comes to stock and semi-custom options because different suppliers and manufacturers will offer differing customization possibilities.

That said, semi-custom cabinetry usually comes in standard sizes as with the stock cabinetry options but gives designers the flexibility to resize and modify some aspects of the cabinet design. Therefore, it’s important to check the options available before moving forward with your remodel.

The cost of semi-custom cabinets is typically at a midway point between stock and custom. However, with more modifications, the costs can potentially overtake those of custom selections—anywhere from $150 to $650 per square foot.

It’s worth getting a quote for both semi-custom and custom, as the two quotes may surprise you.

Pros

  • Allows for some design freedom (i.e., hardware, finish, and paint color)
  • Usually more affordable than a fully customized option
  • Faster delivery
  • Potentially easier to find replacement parts in the future

Cons

  • Less design freedom than a fully customizable method
  • May still be unsuitable for irregular shaped kitchens

What is Custom Cabinetry?

custom kitchen remodel west lafayette

Custom cabinetry is the polar opposite of stock cabinetry. As the name suggests, this type of kitchen or bathroom cabinet is custom-built to meet your specifications and tastes. The design possibilities are endless, and a professional design-build team of experienced craftspeople can create just about any look you desire.

Custom cabinets, as you would expect, are special order items. They are designed and crafted per particular requirements, meaning it can take some time for the units to be ready for installation.

By going custom, you’re not restricted when it comes to the style of your kitchen or bathroom. The cabinets, custom designed and built, will seamlessly merge into the overall interior design scheme, whatever it may be.

Custom Cabinetry is typically $500+ per square foot.

Pros

  • Designed to fit your exact needs and tastes
  • Freedom to select high-quality and durable materials
  • Can be designed to fit any kitchen

Cons

  • Patience is needed as they take longer to design and build
  • Extra quality can mean higher costs

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choosing the right cabinetry for your kitchen or bathroom is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during the remodeling process. We’ve outlined the different types of cabinetry options in this article, but which option should you choose?

Your selection ultimately depends on several factors, including your budget, needs, design preferences, and the dimensions of the specific interior space.

Stock cabinets are the most affordable option and also the easiest in terms of selection and installation. Yet fully custom cabinets, while more expensive and longer to develop, do provide you with an exceptional level of customization and higher quality.

A good middle ground is a semi-custom route. You have the benefits of both worlds at a reduced cost compared to the fully custom, but with more design options than the stock cabinetry.

If you have your heart set on a particular interior design theme for your kitchen or bathroom – or it’s already in place – then a custom cabinetry option might be the best option.

If your budget is a significant concern, a stock cabinetry option is likely a sensible way forward. But as mentioned already, it’s worth getting a quote for two or more of the options above.

You never know what your budget might be able to cover and the benefits of further cabinetry customization.

Your trusted team of design-build professionals will be able to give you expert guidance, ideas, and quotes for all possibilities.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm like Riverside Construction

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming remodel. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

Must Have Kitchen Features Homeowners Request in Tippecanoe County

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Planning for a kitchen remodel is exciting but can also feel somewhat overwhelming. There are so many different features and fixtures to consider, from the layout, lighting, and workstations to storage solutions, appliances, and décor. Knowing which key features to add to enhance your food preparation experience can seem like guesswork.

Thankfully, it’s not as difficult as you imagine. The best inspiration comes from what fellow homeowners are installing. To help you gain a better idea of what you can add, we’ve collected together some of the most popular kitchens features Tippecanoe County homeowners are requesting for their new kitchen remodels.

Kitchen Island

Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is one of the most requested kitchen features in Lafayette and throughout Indiana. This central focal point provides multiple benefits, including extra food prep space, increased storage options, and even an extra work surface on which to browse the internet. It’s also a wonderful feature for entertaining guests.

Kitchen islands come in different sizes and styles, with an endless array of customizable design options, including inbuilt sinks and cookers. Unfortunately, islands are likely to overwhelm smaller kitchens, so these are only really an option for medium and larger interiors. That said, a butcher block cart can work wonders in a galley-style kitchen.

Workstation Sink

Workstation sinkAnother increasingly popular kitchen feature is the workstation sink. This is no ordinary sink but has instead been described as the “Swiss army knife of sinks”. Designed to allow for simultaneous tasks to be completed in one area, the workstation sink typically features a chopping board, colander, drying rack, and sometimes multiple faucets.

These are different from the standard sink in that they enhance productivity and reduce unnecessary movement from one kitchen area to another. You can find workstation sinks in various configurations, styles, and sizes and with additional features, including cutting boards, strainers, serving trays, drying racks, and integrated food waste disposal systems.

More Prep Space

Many traditional kitchens were designed for one cook with preparation space primarily near the sink. Nowadays, home kitchens are multifunctional environments for multiple cooks, and as such, a lot more prep space is needed.

Some good ways to add extra countertop surface space is by adding a kitchen island or peninsula (essentially an island joined to a wall). They can also double as service stations where you can place food ready to be served to guests in the dining area.

It’s also important to consider whether certain prep surfaces in different kitchen work zones potentially need to vary in height according to usage and comfort.

Specific Storage

A lot of storage is good, but specific storage is even better. Innovative storage solutions are must-have kitchen features that improve functionality, convenience, and the visual appeal of the interior.

Narrow pull-out drawers between larger cabinets or appliances make use of often wasted space. These are perfect for storing jars, canisters, spice racks, and utensils.

Corner storage options turn potentially dead space into usable storage for all types of kitchenware and dried foods. For example, a Lazy Susan allows for easy access by simply pulling out the entire shelving frames.

Instead of stacking baking sheets, platters, cutting boards, and pizza pans, place them in their very own tray storage cupboard above or near a wall oven. Vertical dividers ensure safe storage and easy accessibility.

Create a dedicated garbage and recycling area where you can easily sort between recyclables, compost, and general kitchen waste. Separate bins or containers can fit into one pull-out drawer under or near the sink.

Compartmentalize your kitchen utensils with divided drawer storage. They provide a more finished look to your utensil drawers and help you quickly find what you need.

These are just a few of the many must-have kitchen storage features currently popular with American homeowners.

Walk-in Pantry

If space allows, consider creating a walk-in pantry. These have been around for a while and are now considered a staple of a highly functional modern kitchen. Pantries typically hold groceries, but you can also use them to store countertop appliances, extra kitchenware, service items, cleaning supplies, and even books.

There is an endless array of design choices for walk-in pantries with different shelving and cupboard options. The best pantry is easily accessible with an entrance close to the food prep areas.

Solutions for Uncluttered Counters

There’s something immensely pleasing about gazing upon the decluttered counters of a newly remodeled kitchen. However, to keep your surfaces clear, clean, and looking fabulous, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure you incorporate organizational systems that help you keep your kitchen clutter-free.

Better in-draw solutions are key for items such as spices, knives, and other utensils. For example, spice racks can hang on the inside of the door while wooden knife blocks or specialist magnetic strips hold even the biggest of knives safely in place.

If you have many small appliances dotted about, you can create an appliance garage. This is a little cupboard space with outlets in the back wall designed specifically for appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and more.

Consider also how you can hang things out of the way. Pot racks are functional and decorative, and can be hung from the wall or ceiling.

Flexible Lighting

Multiple sources of light are a vital part of the multifunctional and potentially hazardous space that is the kitchen. It’s important we see what we’re doing when cutting meat, slicing vegetables, stirring boiling pots, and serving food.

Flexible lighting for the kitchen considers all the different functions and uses of a modern kitchen and dining space.

Ambient lighting is the primary light source encompassing the entire interior space and ensures you can perform general tasks and move safely around the room.

Task lighting highlights specific areas, such as the main food prep area and stove.

Accent lighting is decorative and highlights attractive focal points, such as a beautiful chinaware collection in a glass-door cabinet.

Decorative lighting is lighting that is the focal point itself. It’s a statement piece and a conversation starter.

Glass Doors for Upper Cabinets

Glass Drawer Cabinets

As already mentioned, glass cabinet doors are an excellent way to show off your beautiful dishware and other attractive kitchenware. But, instead of hiding your best china behind wooden cabinet doors, the glass panels give you plenty of creative opportunities to enhance the overall appeal of your kitchen interior.

There are different types of glass cabinets, including clear glass and seeded glass, as well as a variety of pane designs such as stained glass, mullion fronts, diamond panels, and arched fronts, to name a few.

Smart Appliances

Smart home technology is growing rapidly. To truly future-proof your home and minimize the future costs of living expenses, investing in smart appliances is a good idea. Connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you can control smart appliances from your favorite device, whether you’re at home or elsewhere.

Connected appliances make home life easier for you and your family. For example, you can remotely start the oven, be ultra-precise with temperature changes, modify dishwasher cycles, turn the heating on from the car, and even check the refrigerator door has been closed.

There are too many exciting smart appliances to list in just one article, but a great place to start is seeking advice from a local remodeling firm like Riverside Construction which can advise you on the best-performing models to consider.

Docking Drawer

Eliminate countertop clutter with a docking drawer, which is a very popular addition. As the name suggests, this is a specially designed drawer with power outlets inside that provides a designated space for all your electronic devices.

It’s the perfect place to store and charge smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as house dongles, notepads, pens, and other miscellaneous items.

You can also use the docking drawer when open to power general kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters, and coffee makers.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm like Riverside Construction

Kitchen and Main Floor Remodel on Naschette Parkway in West Lafayette

 

With so many fantastic kitchen design options, it’s always important to work with a qualified design-build firm to ensure your new kitchen meets its full potential.

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming kitchen to remodel. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

Popular Kitchen Design Ideas to Consider for Your West Lafayette Kitchen Remodel

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Remodeling in today’s home kitchens go far beyond utility and allow you to customize your kitchen to suit both your lifestyle and your taste. Whet your appetite with these popular kitchen designs to consider for your West Lafayette kitchen remodel.

Walk-in Pantry

Older kitchens never seem to have enough storage, so consider adding a walk-in pantry to your kitchen design. Store non-perishable foods and large and small appliances out of sight, but within easy reach, and create stations like a coffee bar with its own electrical outlet, or a kid-friendly snack or cereal counter. Organize by zone, creating groupings for baking ingredients, beans and rice, canned goods, cereals, and herbs and spices, for example.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Adding a Walk-in Pantry

Zero- or Low-maintenance Surfaces

Cut down on cleaning time with low-maintenance or zero-maintenance surfaces throughout your kitchen.

  • Countertops: Quartz is a good, hardy choice to resist countertop scratches and stains. It offers easy clean-up with a wipe of a soft cloth or sponge.
  • Cabinets: Flat-panel or shaker-style cabinet doors have less detail to collect dust and grime. Select them in white or a medium-toned woodgrain to hide fingerprints.
  • Flooring: Vinyl flooring can look like laminate or hardwood, yet protect your kitchen floor against water, stains and scratches.
  • Paint: While high-gloss paint may be the easiest to clean, it can be overly shiny and reflective. Instead, consider satin paint for walls and semi-gloss paint for trim and baseboards.

Kitchen Remodeling

Ceiling-Height Backsplashes and/or Slab Backsplashes

Backsplashes aren’t just for behind the stove. One of the most popular kitchen design trends is “wow factor” walls of tile or marble that span the space from counter to ceiling or wrap around the entire kitchen prep area. It’s an easy way to add drama, color, and texture to your kitchen design.

Use of Mixed Finishes

Tired of your “matchy-matchy” kitchen? It’s okay to mix and match finishes to create your own custom look. Combinations can include stone and natural materials, a mix of dark and light stains and paint—or any combination you imagine. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many colors or finishes, it is best to use finishes to create a focal point.

transitional kitchen remodel

Geometric Tiles

Geometric tiles infuse energy and style into your kitchen design and are a popular choice of designers. Go bold with an entire floor of geometric tile, or use them to create an artful display with square, rectangular, hexagon, diamond, or triangle shapes. Geometric tiles offer a full range of looks—from elegant, subtle, or classic, to a contrasting, contemporary feel with a bright pattern and artistic effects.

Built-in Coffee Station

Create a dedicated spot where everything you need for your morning coffee is easily at hand, with a coffeemaker, mugs, coffee, sweeteners, and electric outlets stored together or within easy reach. Some of the popular kitchen design ideas for coffee stations include a built-in espresso machine, a mug warming drawer, Keurig K-cup or Nespresso capsule storage, coffee-shop art, a hidden refrigerator, or refrigerator drawer, a water supply, and an adjacent sink.

Accent Colors

Add a pop of an accent color in your accessories or décor, or incorporate an accent color into your backsplash, wall, or cabinet colors to add personality to your kitchen. Use a little or a lot, depending on the impact you’d like to have. Some of the more popular kitchen design ideas for accent colors include red, green, navy, turquoise, and gold.

Two-Tone Cabinetry

When done correctly, two-tone (or even three-tone) cabinetry can create visual interest in your kitchen. Ground the lower cabinets or a kitchen island with a darker color. Pull accent colors from a lovely backsplash. Create a cozy feel with darker upper cabinets. Or tie in with accent colors. Two-tone cabinetry can be dramatic with bold colors, or provide just a hint of color, depending upon the look you’d like.

lafayette transitional kitchen remodel

Gold or Brass Hardware

Kitchen hardware has endless choices, but what’s trending are the gold tones in brass and gold finishes. Instead of the gaudy, bright gold that you might be imagining, gold finishes in brushed gold, are soft, warm, and inviting and pair well with both light or neutral-colored cabinets, and deep, rich colors. Brushed brass offers a warmer tone that contrasts well with dark surfaces, pairs beautifully with jewel colors, or brightens up a white kitchen.

Vintage Pieces Mixed with Modern for an Eclectic Look

A “vintage” piece can be anywhere from 20 to 40 years old, as opposed to “antique” which is anything older than 100 years, and “vintage modern” is the design trend of mixing old and new. Ways to inspire vintage modern into your kitchen for an eclectic look can include the use of patina, color, style, fabric, and metals.

retro kitchen remodel west lafayette

Cabinet Accessories

There are a plethora of ways to customize your kitchen with the popular selection of cabinet accessories available today. The options for both storage and convenience are endless. Some of the popular options include cutlery and utensil drawer inserts and partitions, plate organizers, roll-out tray shelving, a pull-out pet feeding station, open accessory or cookbook shelves, glass-front lighted cabinets, blind-corner shelving, custom herb and spice storage, towel bars, waste and recycling centers, and pegboard storage.

To Choose Which Popular Kitchen Design Ideas to Consider, Work with a Qualified Professional Design-Build Firm like Riverside Construction

There are many exciting decisions to be made when designing your perfect kitchen, and at Riverside Construction, it’s our job to help you make them. You’ll work closely with our design team and interior design staff who will walk you through the decision-making processes of choosing the exact features you require for function and style.

As a design-build remodeling firm, Riverside Construction guides you through our well-managed process from design to selections to construction, to ensure a smooth project—delivered on time and on budget. For kitchen design inspiration, view our kitchen remodeling portfolio.

A kitchen remodel adds beauty and function to any home—and increases your home’s value. If you live in West Lafayette or near the Lafayette, Indiana area, schedule a conversation to talk to us about what you have in mind for your kitchen.

How to Expand a Galley Kitchen – 5 Easy Solutions

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How do you make a long, narrow kitchen with limited space on both sides bigger? This is a common question for homeowners with a galley kitchen in Lafayette. This distinctive kitchen layout has a definite charm that makes it widely popular. However, it can sometimes feel restrictive, functionally and in its appearance, especially as our kitchen habits have changed in recent decades.

So how to expand a gallery kitchen or make it seem more spacious?

How to Expand a Gallery Kitchen or Make It Seem Bigger

What Exactly Is a Galley Kitchen?

A galley kitchen features cabinets and countertops on either side of a corridor-like space. The name comes from the traditional galleys found on ships where food is cooked and prepared. These designs made the best use of often tight spaces, and similarly, a residential galley kitchen also suits smaller kitchen areas.

In a standard home galley kitchen, there’s a floor area stretching between two parallel walls or runs of cabinetry. Typically, you’ll find two or more workstations facing one another. A primary benefit of such a setup is that it’s easier to quickly access core areas of the kitchen without too much movement. This makes it a favorite design arrangement among many chefs.

Pros and Cons of a Galley Kitchen

how to expand a galley kitchen

Like with all kitchen layout types, there are several benefits and drawbacks to the galley kitchen.

The pros include:

• Easy and fast access to the essential cooking appliances
• Close proximity of different food preparation surfaces to one another
• Smaller and narrower shape suitable for some home layouts
• Quicker and easier to clean compared to more spacious kitchens

The cons include:

• A lack of a central social focal point such as a kitchen island
• Narrower layout makes it harder for multiple people to cook simultaneously
• Reduced scope for larger custom appliances to fit into the kitchen
• Can impact the resale value for homes with smaller galley kitchens
• Potentially less storage space depending on the design

Galley kitchens can also suffer from reduced daylight, leaving them looking darker than larger and more open-plan kitchen interiors.

So how can you make your existing galley kitchen bigger and more advantageous than it currently is?

1. Remove a Wall (or Partial Wall)

If possible, remove a wall – or part of a wall – between your galley kitchen and another room. Doing so will increase the amount of perceived space both vertically and horizontally and allow for easier communication when people are in different areas.

The increase in space will likely also bring more natural daylight into the kitchen and the adjoining interior. More light makes a smaller kitchen feel larger, lighter, and cheerier.

It’s essential to check whether the wall or section of the wall you want to demolish is not load-bearing. Your professional design-build team will know how to help you figure this out if you are in doubt.

2. Rework the layout by Borrowing Square Footage from a Nearby Space

A different way to increase the area of your galley kitchen is to borrow space from a nearby enclosed storage area or another unnecessary structural feature. For example, a small closet outside the kitchen can be knocked through and turned into a wider access route or a wine serving area.

Before and during the design process, it’s important to figure out how you want to use your kitchen and dining area in relation to your general lifestyle. For example, if you host regular dinner parties, creating extra counter space between the galley kitchen and dining room can be beneficial for serving food and drink to guests.

3. Join the Kitchen and Dining Room with a Countertop Extension

A countertop extension can significantly open up an otherwise restricting galley kitchen if you regularly entertain and like to gather together as a family. By placing a countertop between the kitchen and the dining room, you create the perfect entertainment space that provides increased service and storage options.

Such an extension is perfect for pouring drinks, serving food, and simply chatting together over brunch – with the addition of barstools. The extra storage also reduces clutter and allows you to access specific items faster and more effectively. It also provides a pleasant backdrop to the rest of the wider space.

4. Move the Dining Area Outside the Kitchen

Some galley kitchens feature an in-built dining area. This links to previous points where an adjacent storage cupboard or wall can be knocked through and either a countertop or dining nook installed. It might be possible to move the dining area outside the kitchen altogether in such scenarios.

Doing so may require you to reconfigure your storage units and large appliances to increase both the function and the amount of available space in your galley kitchen. For example, when knocking through part of a wall to add an eat-in peninsula, you’d need to move the refrigerator and cabinets to the opposite wall.

5. More Ways to Make Your Galley Kitchen Look Bigger

Galley Kitchen

You can effectively maximize storage in your galley kitchen by adding floor-to-ceiling cabinets. These come in various designs to suit different kitchen styles, including incorporating large appliances and little niches for display and preparation purposes.

You can even hide appliances such as fridges and dishwashers behind panels identical to the surrounding cabinets.

Conversely, if your kitchen already has plenty of storage, you can opt to reduce the number of upper cabinets you might have and install open shelving instead. This change will lead to a more spacious ambiance.

Color is another crucial factor in the perceived size of an interior. Lighter colors make a space appear bigger and airier, while darker colors can make it heavier. Working with a designer can help you balance color, light, texture, and pattern in harmony that feels in balance with the surroundings.

Finally, increasing the amount of natural light in your kitchen is always a good idea. Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being is directly tied to how much natural daylight we receive. Where possible, increase the size of existing windows or add new ones. Skylights in the ceiling can also be an excellent option.

Your trusted design-build remodeling team will be able to advise you on these design options. And this is where we at Riverside Construction can help you.

Work With a Qualified Design-Build Firm

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in various fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream kitchen is achieved.

Whether you’re transforming a kitchen or any other area of your home, let us guide your decision-making and partner with you to achieve your envisioned results.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

How to Remove Kitchen Soffit – 5 Careful Considerations

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A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, however, homeowners don’t appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets’ face. In addition, with the increasing popularity of open floor plans in the 2000s, the soffit is largely an unwanted feature. As a result, many interior designers suggest removing them and using the space for more storage. However, before committing to tearing out the soffit, there are a few things you need to consider.

1.   What’s Behind the Kitchen Soffit?

Created to hide utilities like HVAC ductwork or plumbing lines from an upper story, the soffit design became so customary that designers started including them in the kitchen solely for aesthetics. But, you can’t be sure if you can remove a soffit unless you know its purpose in your kitchen. If there’s nothing above the kitchen, chances are your soffit is purely ornamental. But, if you have a bathroom overhead, or if there’s a return air duct in the soffit, you can guess that mechanicals are behind there.

If you don’t have the original building plans, the only way to know for sure is to cut holes through the drywall and look inside. But don’t start swinging a hammer yet. “Since you don’t want to damage anything,” says Andy Haste, founder and president of Riverside Construction, “it’s advised that you consult with a reputable contractor or design-build firm that can help you explore your options, both from a design and a cost perspective.”

2.   How Will Removing the Soffit Impact the Cabinets?

To remove the soffit in the kitchen, you may also need to take down the cabinets. If you don’t plan to purchase new ones, you can rehang them after the soffit is gone. However, consider partnering with an experienced home remodeling contractor for this task to eliminate the risk of damaging the cabinets.

3.   Will Soffit Removal Affect the Ceiling and Walls?

Once you remove the soffit, the surrounding walls and ceiling will need to be repaired and painted. You’ll also need to patch the holes left in the drywall from the studs that held the soffit in place. Also, “matching ceiling textures can be complicated, and patching it can require painting the entire ceiling to disguise the patch completely,” says designer, Kelly Grish. At a minimum, the whole area will require a fresh coat of paint.

4.   What Else Should I Ask My Contractor?

Kitchen Remodel QuestionsDepending on what they find behind the soffit, you do have options. After assessing the situation, here are a few more questions to ask your remodeling contractor.

  • Can the mechanicals behind the soffit be relocated?
  • If yes, what would that entail?
  • How much would it cost to move the plumbing, electrical, or ductwork?
  • How would moving the mechanicals affect our time frame?
  • If we move any of the utilities, how long will we be without service?
  • Is there a less-expensive option?

5.   Can You Disguise the Kitchen Soffit?

If removing the soffit isn’t an option because it’s hiding mechanicals, there are other ways to give your kitchen a more open and modern feel. Here are a few ideas for disguising a soffit to consider:

  • Crown molding along the soffit adds a hint of elegance to your kitchen. And the added detail brings dimension and the illusion of a higher ceiling.
  • If the original builder missed the opportunity to add lighting to the soffit, do that now. Achieve soft ambient lighting with LED strips above the crown molding. And for task lighting, recessed can lights stay out of the visual field while illuminating the countertop while you work.
  • Replace the upper cabinets that hide the soffit. Custom cabinet makers can create cabinets that stretch up to the ceiling with the soffit hidden inside.
  • If replacing the cabinets isn’t in the budget, disguise the soffit to look like another row of cabinets.
  • Add decorative molding in a pattern to give your soffit some visual interest.
  • Use the soffit as a canvas for creative artwork. “Paint custom art, farmhouse signage, or other design elements on a soffit, turning it into a thing of beauty,” says designer, Kelly Grish.
  • Hang a collection of plates, trivets, or other collectibles on the face of the soffit.
  • Disguise the soffit to look like a beam with a structural purpose. Then, add other faux beams to the kitchen to help it blend in and create a new, rustic design.
Before Kitchen Soffit Removal After

Consult with a Professional Remodeling Contractor

Now that you know what removing your kitchen soffit could entail, consult with a home remodeling and design professional to learn your options.

Since 2008, Riverside Construction’s award-winning team has served homeowners in the Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County areas. First, take a look at their extensive portfolio of stunning kitchen remodels, then schedule a consultation with one of their expert design-build professionals. Also, sign up to receive their monthly “Designed for Life” newsletter for current remodeling trends and kitchen design inspiration.

How To Create Better Storage in Your Kitchen

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Homeowners almost universally long for more storage space. It doesn’t seem to matter whether home is a condo, a retirement villa, or a large suburban ranch. Sometimes, it just seems that “stuff” expands on its own. It’s not a problem easily solved by a “junk drawer” or even by serious spring cleaning.

However, collecting “stuff” is part of what makes us human, and finding better ways to store the things we use and treasure may not be as difficult as one would think. The first step, of course, is to simplify, sort, pare down and eliminate duplications. Still, there are also some practical ways to create additional space to store those things you want to keep, particularly in the kitchen. The key is to tailor your storage to your individual needs.

Consolidate Your Belongings: Get Rid of What You Don’t Use

Collections are part of every family’s unique history. No one would suggest that you get rid of anything that has meaning in your life.

But never feel guilty about eliminating or replacing broken or damaged pieces, whether they’re “Grandma’s china,” your wedding crystal, or seldom-used small appliances. Hold a yard sale; in addition to the old toys and furniture, sell seldom-used dishes, glasses, and flatware, cooking pots, and serving pieces; take them to a thrift store or consignment shop, or donate them to a shelter. Someone will make good use of your castoffs.

Once you achieve that first goal, it’s easier to complete a “deep clean” of your kitchen cabinets and pantry, assess your priorities and reorganize your storage space.

Small Storage Solutions Make a Big Difference

If you’ve ever studied professional chefs at work during a TV cooking show, take inspiration from their solutions. Then adapt some of their ideas for your kitchen.

They’ll reach for a knife from a wall-hung magnetic rack or grab a wooden spoon from a vintage crock; frequently-used spices are often on display, and cutting boards and mixing bowls are stacked or nested in plain sight.

If you can’t manage a professional chopping block, get a cutting board that fits over your kitchen sink to save space and facilitate clean-up. Install a sleek utensil rack or spice shelf near your cooktop or range. Not all kitchen storage needs to hide behind closed doors.

Make use of inside surfaces on cabinet doors as well. Hang pot lids and kitchen towels from simple screw-in hooks; add wire racks to hold boxes of foil and plastic wrap, sandwich bags and spray bottles, even cookie sheets and muffin tins.

Corral table-setting necessities, including placemats and napkins, salt and pepper shakers, water glasses, and everyday flatware, on a simple tray or decorative basket right on the countertop. This can be especially helpful if your kitchen table does double duty as a planning desk or homework center, and it’s a real-time-saver at mealtime.

Adopt a section of countertop as a beverage center or snack bar:

1. Install open shelving for coffee cups and glasses, snack plates, napkins, and utensils.
2. Hang stemware and coffee mugs from an attractive wall or overhead racks.
3. Locate a coffee pot and toaster, nearby, and finish off the space with a drawer with custom inserts to hold supplies.
4. Or go one step further and include an appliance garage that will hide your small appliances when not in use.

Depending on your kitchen, this would be an ideal location for an under-counter fridge, ice maker or wine chiller, or a dishwasher drawer. The goal is to personalize your kitchen to reflect the way you live.

Customize Cabinets and Drawers to Maximize Storage

Kitchens have evolved over the decades from the strictly functional, utilitarian workspaces they once were. Today, the kitchen is not only for food storage and preparation, but it’s also frequently open to the main living space, so it must be as attractive as it is functional.

If a kitchen renovation is on the agenda, plan ahead by researching the innovative storage ideas widely available from cabinet manufacturers and by working with your design-build contractor. Rethink traditions, and re-envision your kitchen in a way that makes sense for you and your family.

Here are just a few of the best creative storage solutions:

● Eliminate unneeded doors to showcase china and artistic serving pieces on open shelving.
● Take cabinetry to the ceiling; add lighted glass-door display space at the top, or use that out-of-the-way space for party supplies and holiday storage.
● Take full advantage of an island or peninsula with storage that can be accessed from both sides, or install narrow shelves at each end to hold cookbooks, linens, or decorative pieces.
● Install a pull-out step ladder into a base cabinet to reach upper shelves.
● Locate a pull-out drawer in a base cabinet to serve as a pet feeding station that can disappear from view as needed.
● Install pull-out shelving, even under the sink, to eliminate getting on your knees to locate items in the back of cabinets.
● Use telescoping shelving in tall, narrow cabinets, and install telescoping blind-corner shelving to maximize corner storage areas.
● Take advantage of space between the studs for a recessed spice shelf.

Your remodeling contractor will have a wealth of other ideas for you to consider. The range of options is almost limitless, from baking centers with built-in flour and sugar bins to recycle bins in the pantry to a custom utility closet. Be open to possibilities — kitchens of the future don’t have to look anything like kitchens of the past.

Design a Walk-In Pantry

If your kitchen is currently short on storage, a walk-in pantry may seem like the ultimate luxury. However, even if a luxurious butler’s pantry is a reach too far, it might be possible to carve additional storage from floor space as compact as 3×5 feet. A space-saving bi-fold door will keep it hidden from view, but you’ll gain 15 square feet of floor space for customized shelving for food storage, large cooking pots, party supplies, table linens, and perhaps even cookbooks and a planning desk.

Think about your options, and work with your design-build contractor to make the most of the “found space.”

 

 

 

Discuss Your Ideas with a Professional

In the Lafayette area, Riverside Construction is your trusted resource for advice on all things remodeling. An award-winning design-build firm with a team that excels at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality, Riverside stands ready to help you redesign your kitchen.

If you’re still gathering information and thinking about possibilities, we understand. Why not add your name to our mailing list? We’ll share design ideas and remodeling tips with you via a monthly e-newsletter. Browse through our portfolio of completed projects to get your creative juices flowing.

When you’re ready to move forward, we invite you to contact us to schedule an initial no-fee conversation.

Check out these other blog articles you may like:

A Lesson In Kitchen Cabinetry Design
Kitchen Remodels: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

Inside View: A Client’s Kitchen Remodeling Experience with Riverside

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Tamara tells-all, sharing her kitchen remodeling experience with Riverside Construction

Q: What prompted the need for your kitchen remodel?
A: Our home is located in West Lafayette near Purdue University. When we bought it, it had been used as a rental so we knew it needed work.

As a 1950s home, it needed a lot of updates and also is smaller in size—approximately 900 sf on the first floor, where the kitchen and living room is. With the two levels, it’s roughly 1,800 sf. As a dated home, the kitchen was designed in a closed-in space. I wanted to open it up and create more livable space. Our house is also a split-level. I had visions of tearing out a wall, opening it up to the backyard and adding a large island.

Kelly put my ideas to paper, and the results were amazing!

Q: You started your remodel during Covid-19. How did the pandemic alter your remodeling plans? Did your functional needs change in any way?
A: Yes, I believe we were one of the first of Riverside clients to start construction after the COVID quarantine. They started construction in April and ended in June.

Our kids were in college at the time, so it was just my husband and I in the house. We also moved a temporary kitchen downstairs, so we had a place to be while the workers were in the house. We always felt safe. Everyone was cautious. We kept clear from the workers most of the time, and there was always enough space to separate ourselves from each other. Riverside was also good about working quickly.

Q: Can you speak to safety protocols during construction? Did you and your family feel safe?
A: When construction started, we weren’t issued mask mandates (we still weren’t sure), so the crew wasn’t wearing masks. As we followed health updates, we all adapted. Then, I noticed the workers started to wear masks on site.

From the beginning, we made an effort to be distanced from each other, which felt smarter. We made it a point to not be in each other’s spaces. We also had meetings outside for added protection.

Aside from COVID, Riverside was good about locking up our home and securing the job site. Our team leads, Juan and Amos, were amazing—and felt like family. Amos could have been my husband’s brother based on how close they were.

Q: What concern(s) did you have going into your home remodeling project?
A: My biggest concern was finances. I talked to Andy two years ago. He advised me to pay down my loan and then refinance my mortgage to get the money I needed to invest in my house. I was basically trying to get enough equity built up. I came back two years later—I refinanced and got a one-year loan that I’m now paying off.

I didn’t worry about anything else. Our project came out exactly as I envisioned.

Q: What was a favorite part of your remodeling experience with Riverside Construction? Why?
A: Hands down the people at Riverside Construction. The employees are fun and very professional. They aren’t just about business. The workers would stop and talk to us. We got to know Amos—his personality, family and background. Everyone at Riverside really want us to be happy with our remodel, but they also want to build a relationship with their clients as well. And, Andy allows them to do that.

This may not be important to everyone, but it was really important to me. I think it’s a great way to run a business. It’s not just a job to these people. It’s actually something they enjoy, which carries over into their customer service. It’s a great business model and good for our community.

Now, I won’t use a remodeling company other than Riverside Construction. I won’t even request a quote from another company if we remodel again. Riverside is our only choice. It’s going to be them for now on. They are more expensive, but I’ don’t care. They are worth it.

Q: What was your least favorite part of the remodel? Why?
A: Waiting 10 days for the granite. During this particular time during the remodel, we were almost finished. Everything but the countertops were installed. The kitchen looked beautiful, but it wasn’t yet functional. The lag time between when the granite got measured and when it got put in was tough. We were excited to use the new kitchen, but had to keep using the temporary kitchen until the countertops were installed.

Q: After living in your newly remodeled space, what has become your favorite design feature?
A: The kitchen used to be dark, dingy and old. Now that it’s more open and inviting, we’re in this area all of the time and not sequestered in our rooms.

I am now working from home. They put electricity in the island, so I sit here on the island to work.

I hate Lazy Susans, but Andy convinced me to let him put one in that he said I would love. He was right. I love it!

You know, we don’t know everything. It was great working with a professional who could offer suggestions and help me decide what was good for me. I didn’t want to make all of those tough decisions. Riverside was great!

[Laughing] When they asked me initially, “What’s your design style?” I answered, “functional!”

Q: What was your inspiration behind the new larger window?
A: I wanted to be able to look out to the woods in our backyard—bring the outside in.

Q: Were there any big surprises during or after the remodel that caught you off guard?
A: The sticker shock. I was surprised how expensive it really is to remodel.

Q: Any pleasant surprises?
A: Although this was nothing, the only thing they did wrong was buy the incorrect light fixture. It didn’t look right in the space, and they agreed. I thought I was going to be charged for a new fixture, but that is not what happened. I was asked to pick out a new light fixture, and they took care of the rest.

Q: In hindsight, is there anything you would do differently if you were to remodel again?
A: I would have done more if I had more money, like the whole living room area.

Q: Anything else you want to share?
A: When I was searching for a remodeling company to work with, I wanted a reputable company that I could hold to task. I didn’t want someone who waltzed in once and awhile.

Riverside is very professional, while at the same time incredibly humble, fun, enjoyable, and easy to work with. That fabulous combination starts with owner and filters down. Not every person was perfect. But, Juan, Amos and Ben are literally amazing individuals—salt of the earth people who would give their shirts off their backs. We all got along so well.

If anyone is going into this for the first time, they need to understand that it’s a lengthy process. It’s important especially for a design-build company like Riverside that might be busier. I reached out in January and we were finished in June, which actually didn’t take too long at all.

Q&A: A Client’s Kitchen Remodeling Experience with Riverside

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Sarah tells-all, sharing her remodeling experience with Riverside Construction

Q: What prompted the need for your kitchen remodel?
A: Our home was built in 1902 and was last remodeled in the mid-60s. Our oven model was dated from 1964. Bless my husband who was wise and blessed with many talents, but his philosophy was “if it still works, we don’t need to fix it.” Fast forward to November 2018, the oven stopped working and I only had one element working on the stove. After putting money aside, I retired in 2020 and decided it was finally time to remodel the kitchen.

Q: You started your remodel during COVID-19. How did the pandemic alter your remodeling plans? Did your functional needs change in any way?
A: Yes, we started our remodel during COVID-19 and it completed in August. The biggest impact on our remodeling plans was the availability of materials. We were 98% completed in August but then had to wait for the refrigerator, oven, and microwave which didn’t arrive until September. The cooktop was ordered right away because it was an older model and in short supply. Otherwise, Riverside Construction carpenters and subcontractors either worked when I wasn’t there or wore masks around me and each other when they were in my home.

Q: Can you speak to safety protocols during construction? Did you feel safe?
A: Yes, I never felt unsafe. Riverside Construction carpenters and subcontractors wore masks, put up barriers, used HEPA filters, and either worked in my home when I wasn’t there or masked up when we were in the home together.

Q: What concern(s) did you have going into your home remodeling project?
A: I was most concerned about the inconvenience during construction. I planned ahead for the kitchen remodel by loading up a dorm-size mini-fridge for perishables. I also ordered carry out a lot. My basement is where the washer and dryer are located. I was concerned about accessing it. But, after the guys were through working, I was able to get through to the basement without much problem. Riverside Construction also remodeled my half bath next to the kitchen. I wasn’t looking forward to having to use the upstairs bathroom during the renovation. More importantly, I live with three cats. It was imperative that the crew didn’t let any of them outside. They did great!

I never worried about the budget. When I signed a contract with Riverside Construction it was well-delineated. My design choices and materials were detailed from our initial planning meetings. The only exception was one change that I made and the other was an unforeseen circumstance. Otherwise, the budget didn’t change at all.

Q: What was your favorite part of your remodeling experience with Riverside Construction? Why?
A: I thoroughly enjoyed the Riverside Construction carpenters. Most days, it was the same group who was working in my house. They were skilled and very reassuring. There was one point in construction when I was fearful of how it was going to look. One carpenter, in particular, assured me to hang in there and it would turn out exactly as I had envisioned. He also said my project was his favorite one. He was right. It turned out exactly as I had envisioned, and even better!

Q: What was your least favorite part of the remodel? Why?
A: The dust. They put up dust barriers during construction a majority of the time. One of the subcontractors didn’t use a dust barrier. I believe it was the tilers, so it stirred up dust in the home.

Q: After living in your newly remodeled space, what has become your favorite design feature?
A: It’s all so wonderful. The ceiling and lighting have to be my favorite design features. The previous owners (in the 1960s) put in a dropped ceiling and panels in the kitchen. Riverside Construction removed the dropped ceiling and panels making it more spacious and brighter. The new pot lights and pendant lights over the island added the elegance and charm I was looking for.

 

Q: What was your inspiration behind your kitchen design?

A: I had visions of what my grandma’s beautiful kitchen looked like with dark oak cabinets, inset doors, and a particular type of latch. Under the linoleum was gorgeous oak hardwood flooring. I wouldn’t normally choose hardwood flooring in the kitchen, but because they were there, I couldn’t pull them up. Riverside sanded the floors and refinished them to perfection.

It was also important to me to design the kitchen to match the existing architecture of the home—to look like it had always been there, just refreshed. I think we accomplished that. As a testament, the cleaning crew came in after the remodel was done and said, “this looks like the kitchen was part of the original home.”

Q: Were there any big surprises during or after the remodel that caught you off guard?
A: Nothing big, no. There were a few small items like learning that the plumbers had to pull up the floor in the half bath to access the crawl space below. But, also not a big deal.

Q: Are you using your newly remodeled space differently now? How?

A: I absolutely spend more time in the kitchen. I’m not a really good cook. You have to remember, I haven’t had a fully functioning kitchen since November 2018, so I’m rediscovering cooking. I now spend a lot more time in the kitchen. And, I really like the butcher block island. Initially, I thought it would be hard to maintain, but I’m really enjoying oiling it—rubbing the oil into the wood once a month. My house gets particularly dry in the winter, so I’m sensitive to not letting it dry out.

Q: In hindsight, is there anything you would do differently if you were to remodel again?
A: Small things. There are a few of my lower cabinets that have pull-out shelves. I often think, having now worked in my kitchen, that I should have added a few more of those. Sometimes I also think I should have chosen different light fixtures, but there’s nothing major I would have done differently.

My original kitchen had a hanging pot rack. I thought I loved it and wanted it in there. As the design of my kitchen progressed, I realized that I could see more of the kitchen without it. Now, I have room for my pots and pans in the drawers and cabinets and they aren’t collecting dust. Ultimately, I’m happy with my decision to remove it.

Q: Anything else you want to share?
A: Yes, I definitely want to share something about Riverside Construction. I’ve had other contractors in my house before. They did a bathroom renovation upstairs years ago. I love Riverside Construction and all of its contractors and vendors. I was used to hearing a lot of cursing from contractors I’ve used in the past. Not that I’m a prude, but there was none of that language used by Riverside crew day in and day out. As they worked, they created a nice environment for me to be cohabitating with them in my home.

Now, Riverside is meeting with my daughter, doing a renovation on her upstairs bathroom. She was so impressed with my remodel that she decided to remodel her bathroom with them as well. Riverside Construction is becoming our “family renovator.”

For more information on this amazing kitchen remodel, visit our Portfolio.

How to Survive Your Kitchen Remodel

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Aside from budgeting and decision-making for new surfaces, fixtures, and appliances, there are a variety of other factors at play in any home remodeling project, but especially when it’s arguably the most important room in your house. 

It’s finally time for construction to start on your kitchen remodel – but what will you do without a kitchen during the remodel? Without a fully functioning kitchen, your family’s daily routine could be thrown totally off-kilter. 

Rather than finding yourself unexpectedly without a meal for your family, take advantage of these great tips on surviving your next kitchen remodeling project in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

Create a Temporary Kitchen Space

The ideal first step for ensuring you and your family can comfortably survive your kitchen remodeling project is to create a temporary kitchen space somewhere else in your home. You might be tempted to rely on fast food for the duration of the project, but your wallet (and your figure) could be seriously impacted as a result. 

Your best bet for a stand-in kitchen is a low-traffic area in your home far from the construction area and close to a sink or other water source. Many families enjoy eating around the TV in the family room, so this could be your best bet for ease of access and comfort. Otherwise, use your dining room, garage, or even a spare bedroom if possible. 

Remember: kitchens can be messy spaces. Utilize plastic storage bins for items from your pantry whenever possible. Also, make sure any furnishings, flooring, or valuable items are protected from the mess you and your family might make while your kitchen remodeling project is in progress!

Keep it Simple

If you’re an ambitious chef who loves to prepare high-concept meals, you might find your cooking efforts entirely disrupted during your kitchen remodel. That’s why you should prepare yourself for keeping it simpler during the remodeling process. 

While you might miss some of your more specialized appliances and kitchen tools, there’s no need to transport everything to your temporary kitchen. Decide on the most essential utensils and minor cookware – you probably won’t need your waffle iron, food processor, or mandolin. 

During your remodeling project, it could be fun to practice a somewhat spartan cooking lifestyle. Think of it as a culinary vacation experience for your family!

Think Small and Multipurpose

Just because you don’t have your full kitchen at your disposal doesn’t mean you can’t prepare a full meal. These days, slow cookers, toaster ovens, electric griddles, hot plates, coffee makers, and microwaves are small enough to fit on most surfaces in your home. You could even purchase a minifridge and stock it with the essentials from your kitchen refrigerator.  

Keep in mind, though, that your temporary kitchen spot may not be able to sustain multiple appliances running in tandem. You don’t want to blow a breaker while your kitchen remodeling crew is hard at work – it might interrupt their work and delay the project longer than you want to wait!

Keep Disposables in Supply

Without the use of your kitchen sink, dirty dishes might pile up fast. That’s why it’s better to spend a small amount of money on paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic utensils. These items make cleanup a simple task and function almost as well as your finest china. 

You’ll definitely be taking the trash out more often than usual, so make sure you keep your garbage and recycling bins close at hand. If you’re worried about smell or a dirty appearance in your temporary kitchen space, keep your bins in a spot out of sight and smell range but still near enough for easy disposal. 

Work the Grill and Takeout Options

Everyone has used a grill now and then for barbecue or grilling hot dogs on game day, but did you know your grill can handle almost anything your kitchen oven can? Whether you’re roasting meat, baking a pizza, or flipping burgers, your backyard grill is the perfect solution for whipping up some tasty meals without ever setting foot into your currently demolished kitchen. If the weather’s nice, you could even turn it into a fun picnic for the family.

Odds are good you have a grill gathering dust on your back patio. If not, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a friend or neighbor who has one you could borrow. Just remember to give it back once your new kitchen is fully operational!

Your other alternative for quick and easy meals is to find great local takeout options. These days, most restaurants either deliver or provide convenient pickup options. Clip some coupons before your remodel starts and plan a budget ahead of time to accommodate your evenings dining out. 

Consider a Vacation

Have you had any special trips, romantic getaways, or family fun-days planned for months? Now is the time!

Instead of throwing off your family’s at-home routines, leaving altogether and enjoying a few days on an exciting vacation or road trip might be the perfect solution for surviving your kitchen remodeling project. Take in some sights, bask in the sunlight, and finally feel excited to come home after a vacation – after all, your brand new kitchen will be ready and waiting.

Just remember, when leaving your home for several days, you want to be absolutely certain the construction contractors you leave behind are trustworthy. In order to feel completely comfortable with people in your home while you’re not there, be sure to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor in Lafayette or West Lafayette with a history of reliability and trust, as well as satisfied customers. 

That’s where the team at Riverside Construction comes in. 

Hire a West Lafayette Remodeling Company You Can Trust

Transforming your kitchen might take some time, but you’ll reap the benefits of a newly remodeled kitchen space for years to come. Not only will you get more functionality and enjoyment out of your new kitchen – it’ll also add tremendous value to your home in the long run. 

If you think you and your family are ready to take on a kitchen remodeling project, it’s critical you choose a kitchen remodeling contractor in West Lafayette you can rely on. The team of experts at Riverside Construction have decades of combined experience in the design-build home construction and remodeling industry. Our reputation speaks for itself – you can count on our experience and dedication to quality customer service as we create a phenomenal finished project for your new kitchen remodel.

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen but aren’t sure where to begin, make sure to view our kitchen remodeling portfolio for inspiration and sign up for our monthly newsletter full of remodeling expertise and ideas. And be sure to schedule a consultation when you are ready to dig into the details of your kitchen remodeling project or call us (765) 838-1644.

Kitchen Islands 101: The Complete Guide

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Kitchen renovations are more popular than ever before, not surprising considering the amount of time homeowners now spend at home. The need to balance form with function is increasingly important. As such, the kitchen has become an ideal multi-tasking space for the whole family, from cooking to eating, socializing and working. Also popular are open living areas bursting with plenty of natural light. Among these trends is the standalone, multi-purpose “kitchen island.”

Since a new kitchen island would become the centerpiece of arguably the most important living space in your home, designing and building the right one that perfectly complements your home’s style and your family’s burgeoning needs is job #1. Many options abound, so let’s consider everything you need to know, including the island’s purpose and building requirements. We’ll then review your many choices of appliances, storage areas, colors, and materials.

1. It’s your island, not Gilligan’s!

The last thing you want is a kitchen island that doesn’t make any sense for how your family will use it, so the first thing you need to do is decide between a few clear and functional options. These include islands that accommodate seating, storage, prepping, cooking, and/or cleaning. Your decision will dictate your island’s needs in terms of size, dimensions, and any built-in appliances or other functional components, along with necessary plumbing and electrical work.

Also note that your new kitchen island can combine several of these functions depending on your family’s needs, renovation budget, as well as the overall kitchen size and layout. Another option to consider is whether you want the island built-in, or a portable unit on wheels. Some homeowners go through the design process and decide not to build an island at all! So, to help you visualize and design your perfect kitchen island, consider a few of these options:

Island of Prep & Storage

The most basic kitchen island features an open top for additional countertop space, and units below for storage. These act as extensions of surface area for food prep, and are ideal for entertaining extended family or guests at parties. The entire volume below the top can be used in various ways for storing dishes, small appliances, and even extra pantry space. Of all your kitchen island choices, this one is the easiest to make mobile by simply adding lockable wheels.

Island of Extra Seating

This version combines additional countertop space with an inset base to accommodate seating. Depending on available island dimensions, you can build one to fit anywhere from two to four guests comfortably, or even more if you have the room. Most homeowners design these with more volume for a sidebar storage area.

Island of Cooking & Baking

Another level of kitchen island is to embed a stove top, oven, microwave, and even a refrigerator. The benefit is sheer convenience by locating all these units together and right in the middle of your kitchen floor, opening up all the space they would have taken up elsewhere. But with more functionality comes more cost; not only do you need to buy and install suitable hardware and appliances, you also need to extend the necessary plumbing and electrical work.

Island of Handy Cleanup

Yet another exciting and more sophisticated kitchen island to consider is one containing a sink, or wet bar. These can double-up from the ones you already have or take their place. Sometimes a second dishwasher is incorporated into the island as well.  If you have a large family or entertain often this can be a welcomed amenity.

2. No man — or woman — is an island

If you’re designing and building a kitchen island for extra seating, then make sure you leave plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably. The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers guidance, starting with at least 24 square inches of elbow room per person on the countertop. Recommended height between a person’s knee and the countertop will vary depending on the type of chair used, and the overall height of the kitchen island, so plan the design accordingly.

Specifically, if you’re going for standard dining room chairs or low stools then the countertop should be 36” high. Bar stools or higher chairs will need an island to be at least 42” high. As a general rule, space above the knee varies by height, too, decreasing as the island gets taller. For example, experts recommend 18” above the knee for a 30” high countertop, progressively decreasing until about a foot of space for a 42” island. Work with your contractor to get it right.

Countertop overhang length is also an important factor, impacting comfort and the availability of storage space below. These also vary in proportion to overall island height; as the countertop height increases you’ll need less overhang length. These specs get more complicated and nuanced as you add more functionality to your design, such as a sink, cooking appliances, or other features. Each island is unique, so make it your own with an eye for efficiency and style.

3. The island of appliances

Transitional Kitchen West Lafayette 2

Your choice of appliances depends on the type of kitchen island you want your contractor to design and build. The more functionality you add the more appliances you’ll need to get the jobs done, of course. Since your island is by design smaller and more ergonomic than the other open spaces around your kitchen, choosing the right type of appliance is only the beginning: You’ll also need to choose the right size to accommodate a leaner and more efficient island design.

Depending on your needs and the design you pick, options include mini-fridges and microwaves, drawer freezers, and other “petite” versions of traditional appliances. Stoves, grills, and ovens are also available in smaller versions that retain functionality while adding efficiency and accessibility. Remember the “working triangle” of arranging components within an optimal and most convenient layout that demands the least effort from you and your family.

If you go the cooking and baking route for your kitchen island, then don’t forget about gas and electrical lines, plus providing ample ventilation. Some islands are designed with exhaust fans and hoods embedded in the ceiling directly above, so plan accordingly. And speaking of appliances, don’t forget to include sufficient and easily accessible plugs wherever they’re going to be needed, both on the countertop and within the cabinets or storage areas below.

4. Get the most from treasure island

As we’ve seen, regardless which type of kitchen island you choose, storage space becomes available as part of the build. Whether you go for a basic prep design or an elaborate combo island of cooking and cleaning with stove top and sink, the foundation below will provide ample room for containing pots, pans, cups, saucers, or even food ingredients and cleaning supplies. The overall volume and depth for storage simply depend on the other island dimensions.

Once you’ve determined how much storage space you actually have and in what configurations, options abound. Deep drawers are great for bulk items like dishes, bowls, and kitchen gadgets; vertical slots, in contrast, are ideal for serving trays and baking sheets; open shelves are useful for cookbooks and other immediately accessible items; drawer inserts useful for silverware; while glass-front cabinets can be perfect for displaying fine china and artsy knickknacks.

5. Turn it into an island paradise

Now that you’ve designed the essence of your kitchen island, you’re ready for the really fun part: Choosing materials for the countertop, cabinets, and other components. The need to match form with function (within your budget) applies here, too, along with an eye on blending your existing kitchen style with the look and feel of your new kitchen island. Your best choice of materials involves a considerate combination of utility, esthetics, maintenance, and economics.

Let’s start at the countertop: Options include laminate, wood, concrete, tile, quartz, marble, and stainless steel. If your island will be used primarily for food prep, then butcher block is a good bet. Bakers, in contrast, often prefer a marble top. If your new island will be mostly used for seating then an attractive, less overtly functional material might make the most sense. Remember, the top should match your other kitchen surfaces so the island fits right in.

Next let’s consider the storage areas: Cabinets are available in a wide variety of wood types from Oak to Maple to Cherry, depending on quality and appearance. Thermofoil (vinyl wrapping) and various laminates can ease cleaning and offer a modern esthetic. Cabinet door styles and hardware choices also abound, so work with your contractor to ensure the best match and optimum functionality. Make sure color selections also match and complement your kitchen well.

6. Partner with the best collaborator

Just as you have choices in selecting the type and style of kitchen island for your family, you have choices of the contractor to help make it all happen. Family owned and operated, Riverside Construction is your best choice to creatively and responsibly bring your dream kitchen remodel to life! Safety first, Riverside is pleased to conduct most preparatory work remotely and effectively; we also conduct all work according to strict EPA regulations.

Riverside Construction is Lafayette’s top award-winning, design-build remodeling company. Since 2008, we have provided clients personalized and enjoyable remodeling services, delivered on time and on budget. By listening intently to your needs we provide the region’s best work: Take a look at our portfolio and at our kitchen remodeling ideas.

If you need more ideas, check out our portfolio of kitchen remodels or sign up for our newsletter to get ideas delivered to your email. Our staff is always available to answer questions and provide more information about our design-build process. We can’t wait to partner with you to create the best kitchen island as centerpiece to your dream kitchen. A virtual or design consultation is only a click or phone call away.