How to Survive Your Kitchen Remodel

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

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.

2020 Kitchen Design Trends to Watch for in Tippecanoe County

In the world of home remodeling, the start of a new year is a perfect time to look at past styles and gauge the trends that will influence design for months to come. If you’re considering a kitchen refresh or a full kitchen remodel in 2020 enjoy these emerging trends in Tippecanoe County, brought to you by Riverside’s talented designers:

Painted Cabinets

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to freshen up their kitchens by painting their cabinets. Fortunately, the trend is here to stay—a great way to transform your kitchen and pack a big punch.

Also, a favorite among Riverside clients is simple cabinet door designs—one of the most popular being the shaker door style, which is characterized by a four-piece door frame and recessed center panel.

Granite and Quartz Are Tops

Quartz and granite continue to be popular countertop choices for homeowners in Lafayette and West Lafayette. Either product will serve you well in terms of durability and appearance. Take your time comparing the pros and cons, and the design options of each. Granite is a natural stone product so it will have imperfections, which lead to exciting and beautiful patterns and colors; however, it will require some sealing maintenance (a simple spray on wipe off process) over the life of the product.  On the other hand, a quartz countertop is made from resin, pigment, and crushed quartz so it can be customized more to your liking plus there is no need for sealing.  Note – the price of quartz has been on the rise due to tariffs on materials imposed by other countires making standard granite colors more budget-friendly.

Backsplashes: Practical and Beautiful

A backsplash covers the area of wall behind a kitchen countertop and the upper cabinets, giving homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through a variety of textures, colors, and materials. It also protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing. It’s not only practical, but it’s also beautiful—adding a gorgeous visual element to your kitchen.

When it comes to backsplash materials this year, subway tile continues to be the go-to material in Tippecanoe County. It not only comes in an endless variety of materials, from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone and glass, but it is also easy to clean. The creative possibilities are endless!

Open Up Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the central point of your home, where the family congregates after a long day, eats, cooks, entertains, and does homework. By combining the kitchen and family room (or other living space) into a single great room, you can create an ideal space for relaxed entertaining and informal gatherings. From an abundance of natural light to the convenience of entertaining, the benefits of an open floor plan are endless. It will maximize your space and provide excellent flow from room to room. It is also still a large and growing trend in kitchen remodeling.

What About the Kitchen Table?

Many clients who have separate dining rooms are choosing to remove their kitchen tables entirely. By eliminating the kitchen table, it makes way for a larger, more functional kitchen.  Depending on the size and width, clients can add an island with extra counter space, additional seating, add coveted storage space, elongate a galley style kitchen, and add extra pantry space.

Coffee, Tea or Something Stronger

With small changes to the kitchen, you’ll minimize those frequent, expensive trips to the local coffee shop. A popular design trend involves adding a designated coffee station into your kitchen. For adult drinks and spirits, there is also a variety of dry or wet bar options to choose from.

Floors for Appearance and Performance

Kitchen luxury vinyl flooring has been a choice among homeowners in years past and predicted to be the popular choice in 2020, particularly due to its durability and easy care. With luxury vinyl you can also achieve a wide range of high-end looks, mimicking tile or even a wood-look appearance.

Remove Your Soffits

2020 may be the year to remove your kitchen soffits. Sometimes referred to as a “bulkhead,” soffits are the part of the ceiling that is lower than the area around it. Soffits tend to make kitchens look outdated, and they take up valuable room. Homeowners are generally advised to remove soffits to gain valuable space. Because soffits usually disguise ductwork, plumbing, or wiring, it would be advised to consult a reputable contractor or design-build firm to explore your options. But, the results will be amazing!

Read 4 careful considerations in removing your kitchen soffit. 

Transform Your Kitchen to Reflect 2020 Design Trends With the Help of Our Experts

Homeowners can’t expect to stay informed about all emerging kitchen design trends. So, it makes sense to partner with remodeling design professionals who do.

Begin by acquainting yourself with a free seminar on home remodeling. To gain inspiration for your upcoming kitchen project, feel free to explore ideas in our online remodeling portfolio. We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for useful design trends.

When you are ready to begin working on the kitchen remodel, schedule a conversation about your home remodeling ideas with one of our designers. For details, connect with Riverside Construction or call 765.838.1644 today.

Choosing Kitchen Faucet Finishes and Types

Whether you have a broken faucet that needs replacing or you’ve decided that it’s time for an upgrade to improve your kitchen’s appearance, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your options so you can make a well-informed decision. Of course, the design team you work with can provide insight into selecting the perfect faucets during a remodeling project.

Before you get together with your design experts, you can take a moment to become familiar with what’s available today. To help you with the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive look at kitchen faucet types and styles:

Kitchen Faucet Types

 

Faucets also come in numerous types, including gooseneck, high and low arc, wall mount, and bridge. “Touchless” faucets introduce sensor technology, giving you yet another option to consider. Let’s take a quick look at each to help you select the one best suited for your kitchen look and needs.

High arc or Gooseneck faucets are designed as their name suggests, with thin and tall stems that are sleek and elegant. Metallic finishes accentuate their brilliance, and their dimensions leave plenty of room in the sink and make pot-filling a breeze. A popular choice among Lafayette homeowners is high arc pull-down faucets.

Low arc faucets are available in various designs and arrangements. Choose stem height and finish based on your usage and aesthetic needs, great choices that offer an ideal balance between form and function. Many also come with a pull-out sprayer.

Wall mount faucets are not super common, but when used tastefully give home kitchens an interesting commercial look and feel. Completely freeing-up the sink area has its own numerous benefits.

Bridge faucets are distinctive designs where the hot and cold handles, levers, and controls are physically connected to the main faucet stem, literally creating a “bridge”. The look is traditional and not for everyone, but when appropriate can powerfully complement similar design features throughout the kitchen.

Touchless faucets now seem like the rage, adding high tech to any design and finish you choose. They might not be worth all the hype, but they offer convenient features that free your hands for doing other tasks. A simple hand wave turns these faucets on or off thanks to a movement sensor. 

Kitchen Faucet Finishes

 

Once you’ve got a good idea of what type of kitchen faucet to install, the next step is to select a finish. Kitchen faucets serve a utilitarian purpose, but they can still look good while you use them. 

You have several finishes to consider, including brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, matt black, and the newest exotic finish, ombre. 

Brass faucets will bring a traditional look and feel to your home. They can pair nicely with white kitchen finishes to add warmth and work equally as well with a modern-looking kitchen sink. Matte or brushed brass fixtures are quite versatile and appealing. The “Champagne Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the brushed brass finish.

Bronze that is treated by rubbing it with oil gives the metal a darker look. Oil-rubbed bronze is one of your pricier options, but you can’t beat it for the traditional look it provides, giving your kitchen a bold and classic appearance. The “Venetian Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Chrome is one of the original finishes for plumbing fixtures, giving them a very classic look. Chrome is durable, easy to maintain, and great for minimalist kitchens. With a bold, shiny finish, chrome faucets are favored by many home renovators. Look for quality chrome, which resists tarnishing while being long-lasting and easy on your budget.

Nickel faucets are available in various finishes, including brushed and polished. Brushed nickel is a slightly warmer version of stainless steel, and polished nickel is a slightly warmer version of chrome.  Brushed nickel is also becoming the “new chrome,” and is used very frequently in all kitchen styles. Some manufacturers have even been able to engineer this finish to offer a “Spot Resistant Brushed Nickel”. Also known as pewter, brushed nickel works nicely to bring soft tones and warmth. Remember that the beauty of nickel faucets requires some maintenance. Periodic polishing of nickel faucets keeps them looking beautiful. Brushed nickel resists tarnishing better than polished, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.

Stainless steel is ideal for kitchen faucets thanks to the finish being easy to clean and maintain — especially useful when you have young kids since it possesses antimicrobial properties. Shiny like chrome, stainless steel is more expensive but gives your kitchen a more sophisticated look. So, for a more luxurious looking kitchen with sturdy, enduring faucets, stainless steel may be your preferred option.

Matte Black is a newer finish that has gained popularity in more modern and contemporary kitchens. In striking contrast to the metallic finishes, matte black is sleek and minimalist. The simplicity and purity of the aesthetic contrast well with nearly any kitchen style, making it very versatile and appealing. 

Ombre is a new finish for kitchen faucets developed by Kohler. Taking its name from the French word for “shadow” or “shade,” ombre melds two vibrant metal finishes together to create an interesting transition from light to dark. Ombre currently comes in two variations: vibrant rose gold and polished nickel. 

Selecting Faucets for Your Upgrade

After considering the various choices for kitchen faucets in your upcoming kitchen remodel project, you are bound to have some questions. Start by visiting our Kitchen Portfolio for ideas and then sign up for our free home remodeling seminars, which will give you more insight into preparing your own home to look magazine-cover worthy. Have fun browsing — your Riverside Interior Design Team is here to help. 

To learn more about selecting kitchen faucets or to consult with a designer, contact Riverside Construction today at 765.838.1644.

5 Popular Kitchen Remodeling Trends in Lafayette

As cooler weather approaches, you might be coming back into your kitchen from summer’s cookouts, thinking, “Wow. I didn’t realize how dated this looked,” or “This setup is really inconvenient.” Here at Riverside Construction in Lafayette, we’re excited about the upcoming kitchen remodeling trends we see for 2019. So, if you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project in the coming months, here are 5 trends you’ll want to consider:

1. Cabinets with a Color Pop

Yes, all-white cabinets are still popular because they reflect light and make smaller kitchens look bigger. Colorful cabinets, however, are increasing in popularity. This is partially because cooking and spill stains stand out so obviously on white—but also because homeowners are looking for more color in their kitchens. Here at Riverside Construction, we’re an authorized dealer of Wellborn custom cabinets, and they’ve introduced some new standard paint colors for their cabinets: Mink Gray, Olive, Gray Mist, Aqua, and Mint. One popular design trend is using lighter cabinets around the kitchen perimeter with a more daring color for the island. Some are opting for darker colors on the lower cabinets with a lighter shade of the same color on the upper cabinets. Those still choosing all white cabinets are playing with mixed countertops, bright accent walls, fixtures and backsplashes with different colors and designs. Mixing neutrals and whites with bright color accents is also growing in popularity. Take a look at some of these great custom kitchen cabinet designs to get a few ideas for your own kitchen remodel.

Photo courtesy of Wellborn

2. Appliances: Thinking Outside of the Stainless-Steel Box

Bright, silver stainless steel has been the go-to finish in appliances for several years now, but for all its solid, time-tested stability, people are looking for more color even here. Yes, you can have black, graphite and slate finishes. You can even have white if you want it bright. But this is your kitchen, and if you want to have brightly-colored appliances, your options are growing considerably. If this is the kitchen you will be cooking, eating and working in for years to come, why not try some bold color combinations? If you aren’t sure how long you’re staying or want to have your kitchen ready for resale in a few years, you can still choose colors, but think of timeless combinations that work with the colors of your cabinets and walls. Reds with white, black or gray, blues with white or light gray, earth tones in different shades, etc.

Photo Courtesy of Savvy Home Supply

3. Everything in the Kitchen Sink

If you thought kitchen sinks were all the same, get ready for the kitchen sink designs of 2019. Kitchen sinks are being created out of different materials and adding new, time-saving accessories that home gourmets are raving about. For example:

New Kitchen Sink Materials—At least 70% of kitchen sinks are stainless steel. It goes with everything and is durable for years. But kitchen sink designers have been coming up with amazing, functional materials that go beyond what you’ve come to expect in a sink. For example, granite composite sinks (made of crushed stone and resin); they last a long time and are easy to clean and maintain. The timeless cast-iron enameled sink is also making a resurgence because you can choose different glaze colors than just silver or dark gray. It’s also very durable and easy to clean. The new fireclay sinks (often used in farmhouse sink designs) are made of high-heat glazed clay with a hard enamel finish (usually earth-toned). And while they are durable, they are vulnerable to impacts and may chip more than other materials. Natural stone, glass, marble, and copper are also up-and-coming kitchen sink materials you might consider.

New Kitchen Sink Accessories—Newer kitchen sink designs also tool up the functionality of the ordinary sink to help you save time and effort during meal prep. In fact, you could call them “kitchen sink systems” because they integrate so many tools seamlessly into a larger sink. Consider multiple levels, built-in colanders, removable cutting boards, ice buckets, pot holders, etc. A large, custom sink with these accessories can significantly reduce your prep and post-meal clean-up time; you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.

Photo Courtesy of Homestyle PR

4. Earth-Toned Rustic Never Goes Away

One look that never really goes out of style is the organic, natural, earth-toned rustic look, from backsplashes and cabinets to floors and farmhouse sinks. Think neutral colors that make custom wood cabinets glow warmth into your kitchen. If you’re going rustic, you’ll likely avoid glossy finishes and opt for rugged, matte, natural finishes instead. Ceramic or cast-iron sinks, wide-plank wooden floors, antique metal fixtures like distressed bronze, wrought iron or rubbed brass look great in a cozy, rustic kitchen. Butcher block or honed granite countertops complete the natural, sturdy look if you’re going this direction.

5. The Mix-it-Up Eclectic Kitchen is Now

And yet, if traditional or rustic kitchens aren’t your thing, variety may be just your style. Good thing too, because mixing up materials, colors and finishes is taking off like crazy. Bold colors on the custom cabinets, floating shelves, polished concrete countertops, stone accent walls and wild mosaic backsplashes with pops of color and shine will turn heads whenever guests arrive and have you feeling like you’re cooking in your dream kitchen every day. And really, if you can dream it, we can make it happen in your kitchen.

If you’ve got your eye on a kitchen remodeling project for the upcoming year and aren’t quite sure where to start, be sure to sign up for notifications on our upcoming kitchen remodeling seminars. We’ll notify you as soon as the next one is scheduled so you can be the first to sign up for these in-demand events where we can answer your questions, provide ideas and offer expert guidance on your dream kitchen.

If you’re ready to start now, schedule a personal consultation with Riverside Construction’s kitchen design experts today: (765) 838-1644.

11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Add Long-Term Function and Value to Your Home

For most Indiana families, the kitchen is the home’s nerve center. Essential discussions, conversations, laughter, cooking and nourishment all go on in this room—more so than any other room in the house. It’s a place to cook, eat, work, socialize, play games and entertain.

So, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, consider how you use your kitchen now, and how you’d like to use it in the future. A well-designed kitchen not only helps improve functionality, it can also significantly boost your home’s resale value.

In fact, looking at the 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, almost half of participating homeowners said something like: “I can’t stand the old kitchen anymore.” And 36 percent reported they would jump into kitchen remodeling once they had the means.

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen soon, list all the things that bother you, or that you’d like to improve. Then, talk with us about smart kitchen upgrades to improve functionality and value. These are the top eleven remodeling features that promise both in today’s housing market:

Smart, Spacious Kitchen Storage

We can’t even count the number of homeowners who complain about utterly wasted, poorly-thought-out storage spaces, i.e., cabinets that are too shallow, or drawers that are too small. Some cabinets are so deep that people can’t reach some items without unloading others. We can make it better! Storage design is one of the first line items we discuss when talking with homeowners who want a kitchen remodel. Here are some great kitchen storage design ideas we suggest:

  • Drawers with custom-designed dividers for cutlery or small kitchen tools
  • Kitchen cabinets with smooth pull-out trays to easily organize and access everything from spices and bottles to pots and pans
  • Separate, hide-away waste and recycling cabinets
  • Extra deep drawers for storing larger food containers and kitchen tools or appliances
  • Sturdy, adjustable shelves you can customize to your needs

As you go through your day, make note of your kitchen storage “pain points” and we can come up with great solutions!

New, Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen draws a lot of energy, so incorporate new, Energy-Star certified appliances right into your new kitchen design. Beginning with the appliances in the design saves time and money from the start: they can be incorporated seamlessly into the whole kitchen design itself, and begin saving energy as you use them.

Also, think about ergonomics when you’re designing your kitchen. As you go through your day in the kitchen, think about appliance placement and workflow so the new design can boost efficiency and ease-of-use.

Stylish, Functional Kitchen Islands

Covington Contemporary Kitchen Remodel 1

Kitchen islands increase your work surface and storage capacity, as long as the cabinets are intelligently designed and organized.

If you’re adding a kitchen island, think about function and dimensions. An open living and dining island requires space for chairs and should accommodate convenient eating. If you’re creating an eating island in the kitchen, we recommend about 36 inches high, so it can be used both for casual dining and food preparation. If you’re adding a breakfast bar, then 42-46 inches high is about right. The countertop overhang for sitting should be about 12 inches.

Durable, Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops and Finishes

Durability is absolutely essential for hard working kitchen countertops. Evaluate your kitchen lifestyle to narrow down your choices for the right countertop material. For example, an active home chef teaching kids to cook may want to avoid marble countertops. They look superb, but they etch and stain easily under frequent use and require more maintenance.

Instead, a hard-working kitchen with a busy family could consider the many beautiful granite countertops or some of the newer, durable laminates that look like your favorite stone instead. Other options for busy kitchens include engineered quartz or Cambria natural stone. Quartz countertops, for example, are tough against scratching and staining. They’re incredibly durable and require little maintenance while also coming in a wide variety of patterns, colors, and edge treatments. They’re a smart, long-term investment that will work for you while boosting your kitchen’s resale value.

Fantastic Faucets and Fixtures

There are so many new, functional and beautiful kitchen faucets and fixtures to choose from these days, that it can be hard for many homeowners to choose which they like best when they’re remodeling their kitchens. High-tech touch features that make it easy to switch a faucet on or off… sprayers that make clean up quick and easy… consider some of the following fixtures:

  • Faucet mounting options—Sink mounted (the faucet comes right out of the sink assembly), deck-mounted (from the countertop itself, rather than the sink), or wall-mounted (easy to clean, but need extra insulation in our cold Indiana winters).
  • Faucet handle options—Single handle (twisting one handle to dial between hot and cold), double-handle (one for hot, one for cold), and “hands-free” (you simply nudge the faucet with your free elbow to turn it on, but you still need to adjust the side handle for temperature).
  • Faucet Finish options—Stainless steel, nickel, brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, black, white… those are just some of the more common options.

Fabulous Flooring

As always, consider how you use your kitchen to get the right flooring option for your needs. For example, hardwood floors never go out of style, but they need a bit more maintenance than some of the engineered hardwood and laminate options that look just like hardwood. But real hardwood can be refinished and refurbished, whereas damaged laminate needs to be completely replaced. You can also use reclaimed hardwood that looks amazing in many kitchen designs.

Today’s high-quality laminates can stand up to a lot of hard use, though, so it’s still an excellent, lasting investment. You also have more choices for design with laminate: think wide planks and exotic textures like Brazilian cherry.

And don’t forget tile. Porcelain and ceramic floor tiles are huge right now. They can be engineered to look like anything (even wood or fabric), they’re incredibly durable and easy to clean (but a bit more of a challenge to install).

Spectacular Backsplash

A backsplash protects your walls from stains and splatters, but they can also be fantastic focal points. It all depends on the materials and designs you choose—and there are so many options: wood, metal, glass, ceramic, stone, tile and more.

“Consider changing a tile backsplash to modern glass, mosaic tile, or a classic white subway tile, which never goes out of style,” says Riverside Construction owner, Andy Haste. “These now come in many sizes and shapes and can be laid in a herringbone or soldiered pattern for an updated, fresh look.”

Remember: neutral colors make your kitchen space feel bigger and brighter to you and to potential home buyers who may have different color tastes.

Natural and Artistic Lighting

Think about all the ways you can incorporate natural light into your kitchen from windows and skylights to light tubes. In addition to saving energy costs, natural light makes kitchens look brighter and bigger. Great, functional under cabinet lighting options brighten countertop workspaces while vintage chandeliers or brightly-colored pendants to add pop and focus over your kitchen island.

Neutral Colors Create Value

Neutral paints and finishes in shades of ivory, white or gray are the smartest colors, both for design flexibility and resale value. You can add personal color accents with accessories, light fixtures, and other design elements to tie other areas of your home together with the kitchen, but keeping the colors neutral also attracts potential homebuyers, helping them “see the possibilities” rather than being jarred by style choices that may not match theirs.

Clever Kitchen Sinks

One of Riverside Construction’s incredible interior designers, Kelly Grish, advises homeowners to consider the sink as both functional, and as a showpiece. Beautiful, apron-front farmhouse sinks are generous, functional and, as she says, they feel “custom and thoughtful”, demonstrating the long-term value of your home’s design, right from the kitchen.

Chef-Worthy Range Hoods

Grish also says that installing a new, stainless-steel hood over the stove says “chef’s kitchen” in a split second to any potential homebuyer, adding literally thousands of dollars in value. It also expands your kitchen’s functionality. You don’t even have to add extra ductwork if you don’t want to—you can use recirculating filters instead—while still enjoying the range hood’s benefits.

If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, Riverside Construction is prepared to share the knowledge and experience we’ve collected over the years to help you create your perfect kitchen design experience. Schedule an in-home consultation to get the ball rolling with your own personal design consultant, or attend one of our monthly, complimentary kitchen remodeling seminars. Reserve your seat now as demand is high and space is limited! Let’s create the kitchen of your dreams!

Countertops 101: The Pros and Cons of Engineered Quartz

 

For many years granite has been a preferred countertop material of choice for homeowners looking to remodel. For the last three years, however, quartz has steadily gained popularity over granite and is now the leading countertop material, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

Unlike granite or quartzite which are natural stones mined from the ground, quartz is an engineered material created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately ninety-five percent ground natural quartz with five percent polymer resins.

Is quartz the right choice for your new kitchen?  To help you with your decision-making process, we have broken down the pros and cons of this trending countertop material:

The Pros of Quartz

Expansive Selection

Because quartz is an engineered product, manufacturers can create an endless range of colors and styles that fit almost any design sensibility. Color choices range from the darkest black to the purest of white with every color of the rainbow in between.  Whether you like a little sparkle or prefer something more plain and smooth, there is a quartz design that fits virtually any taste. The manufacturing process of quartz has become so sophisticated it even comes in a wide variety of designs and irregular patterns that can mimic the look of natural materials like marble and granite.

Extremely Durable

The kitchen is the hardest working room in the house for most families. From kid’s backpacks that are thrown on the counter to heavy pans scraping across work surfaces, many families need a virtually indestructible countertop material like quartz. Quartz resists knife cuts and, unless you take a hammer to it, won’t chip or crack. In fact, quartz gets top ranking over materials like granite, tile, laminate or solid surface countertops when it comes to durability. Ready to give your kitchen or bathroom countertop a workout? You can’t go wrong with quartz!

Easy Maintenance

If you want a low-maintenance countertop, then quartz is an excellent option. Unlike granite or quartzite counters that need to be sealed to maintain their beauty and stain resistance, quartz countertops are non-porous, naturally stain- and bacteria-resistant and never need to be sealed. Now that’s my kind of countertop!

Great Value

Quartz is not the least expensive option on the market but if durability and easy maintenance are high on your priority list, then quartz offers superior value for the money.

The Cons of Quartz

There aren’t many downsides to choosing quartz, but there are a couple things you should keep in mind:

Lower Heat Resistance

While Quartz is virtually indestructible in standard kitchen scenarios, it does have a weak spot—heat.  You can set a boiling pot down on granite without any worries, but because quartz contains resin you can run the risk of damaging the surface with a hot pot or pan in the kitchen; or a curling/flat iron in the bathroom.

Cost May Be Prohibitive

Although priced competitively with other high-end countertop materials such as marble or concrete, quartz is 30 to 50% more expensive than granite.

With the wide variety of design materials on the market today, it makes it an exciting time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom from top to bottom.  If you’re looking for a contemporary, high-scale look with very low maintenance, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering.

Need some design inspiration?  Visit our Design Portfolio or read from our library of helpful design tips:

Kitchen Island Styles to Consider for Your Home

A Lesson in Kitchen Cabinetry Design

Kitchen Remodels: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

2018 Stylish Design Trends for the Bathroom

Bathroom Remodels: 3 Budgets, 3 Bathrooms

Or sign up for our next free home remodeling seminar to learn how to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and smile while doing it!

Riverside Construction Before and After Home Renovations

Featuring Riverside Construction’s “Designed for Life” Home Transformations in 2017

Whether you’re ready to remodel now or in the near future, tackling a remodel can be an intimidating process. But, seeing a home transform from bland to beautiful is often all the motivation you need to get your project started—particularly as you imagine your own home in these impressive before and after photos. Find your inspiration in these “Designed for Life” transformations we documented in 2017:

Kitchen Renovation
A central island wasn’t working for these homeowners, so we reworked the layout with an L shaped island with seating for two. The dated traditional design was replaced with fresh, sleek cabinetry, granite countertops, and pendant lighting.

Kitchen Renovation
With the help of Riverside Construction, this kitchen went from bland to grand! The kitchen was opened up to a create more efficient workspace, better traffic flow, and improved lighting. Aesthetically, the space was transformed with medium colored Hickory flooring, a honed travertine backsplash with Mosaic tile accents, an undermount Silgranite sink with Hawaii granite countertops, and full overlay cabinet doors in both dark and light colors.

For further design inspiration, view more photos and project details on this West Lafayette Traditional Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Renovation
This small West Lafayette kitchen received a big renovation! These homeowners wanted to make sure that the remodel matched the Mid-Century style and character of the rest of the home. Riverside Construction knocked down a wall and opened the space so that the homeowners could enjoy abundant natural light and the beautiful view outside their windows. Ensuring the home’s architectural integrity, we used Mid-Century inspired materials that complemented the original wood color and style of the house, taking full advantage of the high ceilings to add more storage.

For further design inspiration, view more photos and project details on this West Lafayette Mid Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

Master Bathroom Shower Renovation
This master bathroom shower was dark and claustrophobic. Riverside Construction opened it up using double glass doors, gorgeous marble tile, brass fixtures and a bench for sitting. Beautiful!

Basement Bathroom Renovation
Riverside Construction added square footage to this small basement bathroom by removing a wall that allowed room for a functional shower designed with clean, crisp subway tile. To complete this transformation, dark gray paint was replaced with lighter tones and a new vanity was laid with gorgeous granite and all new brushed nickel fixtures.

Powder Room Remodel
From pink to perfect, this homeowner wanted their powder room to reflect their unique style preference while blending seamlessly with the architectural style of their home. Mission accomplished!

Basement Food and Beverage Entertainment Center
An old dated wet bar gets a much-needed modern facelift, complete with a beverage cooler, microwave, sink, lots of outlets and plenty of cabinet space.

Mud Room & Laundry Remodel
Whether you have a smaller home, or a large second entryway full of storage potential, one of the most envied, desired rooms in the home is a functional mudroom and/or laundry room. For this busy family, custom, built-in cabinetry was installed to accommodate each family member with plenty of creative storage potential—cubbies, cabinets, hooks for coats, shelves for shoe storage, and benches for seating. And, a bright pop of color on the wall helped to make this laundry room bright and airy.

Basement Kitchenette Addition
An unused space in a basement is transformed into a highly functional kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave, sink and plenty of storage.

If you liked what you saw, be sure to like us on Facebook and check out our regularly scheduled “Before and After” posts throughout the year.

If 2018 is the year that you’re ready to tackle that remodel you’ve been dreaming about, be sure to sign up for one of our complimentary home remodeling seminars to help you get started.

If you’re ready to start a conversation about your own home remodeling project, schedule a no-obligation design consultation today. We will get you well on your way to creating a stunning living space that meets your personal design style, functional needs, and budget requirements. That’s what we do!

Kitchen Islands: Styles to Consider for Your Home

Kitchen Islands: Styles to Consider for Your Home

Considering a kitchen remodel? How about designing a kitchen island into your space? Over the past two decades, islands have steadily risen in popularity, not only for smart storage solutions, but added prep work, cooking, eating, seating and entertainment.

As a focal point for the kitchen, it is important to select an island that not only blends aesthetically with the rest of your space but also meets your practical needs. With so many styles and options to choose from, selecting an island can be a bit confusing to say the least. In fact, you may discover that an island won’t work in your kitchen at all.

To make the decision process a little easier, we have highlighted some of the more sought after island styles you might consider:

 

Basic Built-In

The basic built-in kitchen island is your standard workhorse. A cook can never have enough workspace, and this island offers that in spades, limited only by the size of your kitchen. A basic built-in kitchen island is also a great option if you are looking to maximize your kitchen storage space.

Kitchen Remodeling

Island for Dining

Seating is a premium in many kitchens. Homeowners often seek ways to add additional seating for large groups or entertaining. Installing an island that has plenty of room for seating solves two problems—1) extra counter space and 2) additional seating.

Clean-Up Island

Another great choice is to use the island as a clean-up area by locating the sink and dishwasher in the island. Scraping dishes and loading the dishwasher becomes less of a chore when strategically placed next to each other. Plus, you’ll have extra prep and storage areas for your kitchen as well.

Two-Tier Island

If you like to entertain, more often than not, your guests are hanging out in the kitchen while you’re prepping your meal. A two-tier island not only adds dimension and visual interest to your kitchen, it also hides the messy work of cooking from people in the adjacent living area when one of the levels is a raised dining bar (as shown below).

Optionally, a two-tier island can be designed so that the working side is set lower for prep work and the dining side is set higher to accommodate bar stools and seating. This also gives the host breathing room to prep and cook, which is separate from guests that can visit and enjoy their food and drink.

Transitional Kitchen West Lafayette 2

Cooking Center Island

Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you may decide to designate the island as a cooking center, by including feature appliances like a stove top, a lower oven, microwave, warming drawer or beverage refrigerator. This style requires the island to be outfitted with power and water and may cost a little more. The advantage, however, is that it leaves plenty of remaining counter space for other amenities like a designated baking station, second sink or wet bar for entertaining.

Courtesy of MainStreet Design Build

Furniture Style Island/Island on Wheels

If your kitchen has a small footprint, a furniture style island is an excellent choice. It’s basically a table with a flat work space and some open or closed storage depending on the style of the piece. Since this island is not built-in, it’s portable and gives you the freedom to move or remove the island as your needs change.

Another smart choice for a smaller kitchen is a portable island on wheels. These little workhorses can be pushed around with ease, offering additional work space when cooking or acting as the beverage station for entertainment purposes. Then, when it’s not needed, it can be pushed into a corner and out of the way.

Courtesy of Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Nix the Island

You may also discover, given the layout of your kitchen, that an island may not work for your space. When designing a kitchen, it’s important to consider the traffic flow and ensure there is enough room to maneuver between all key activity zones in the kitchen. In some cases, adding an island will impede this flow and should be left out of your remodeling design plan altogether.

Inspired to design your own kitchen? Like the idea of incorporating a new kitchen island into your living space? Let the design professionals at Riverside Construction help you plan a space that is just right for you.

Not ready to pick up the phone, but would like to learn more? Sign up to attend our next Kitchen and Bath Seminar. We’d love to see you there!