Kitchen Archives - Riverside Construction

Holiday Harmony: Practical Kitchen Updates for Better Hosting

December 1, 2023/0 Comments/in blog, Kitchen, Kitchen Remodeling/by Jaron Walsh

As the holidays approach, our homes become more than just living spaces—they transform into hubs of warmth, laughter, and shared memories. At the heart of all this festive magic? The kitchen. It’s where aromatic spices mingle with the warmth of the oven, where glasses clink in cheerful toasts, and where every dish served is a testament to love and tradition.

But let’s face it, hosting during the holidays can sometimes feel like a culinary marathon. Whether it’s prepping the family feast or baking cookies with the kids, your kitchen needs to be more than just beautiful—it needs to be smart and functional. That’s where a few thoughtfully chosen updates can make a world of difference.

Imagine a kitchen where every tool is at your fingertips, where space is maximized so that family and friends can join in the cooking without stepping on each other’s toes. Think about the ease of a double oven baking your pies to perfection while your roast slow-cooks in the other. Envision countertops that don’t just look stunning but also make your holiday prep smoother and more enjoyable.

This is the essence of holiday harmony in your kitchen: a perfect blend of form and function, where every update enhances not just your kitchen’s appearance, but its role as the heart of your holiday home. So, let’s explore some practical, yet stylish kitchen updates that can elevate your hosting game this holiday season and beyond.

Maximize Your Kitchen Storage

The holiday season often means an abundance of cooking ingredients, utensils, and serving ware, not to mention the increased foot traffic in your kitchen. This is where smart storage solutions play a critical role. Imagine a kitchen where everything has its place, making your holiday cooking a breeze.

Built-in storage solutions, crafted by an expert Lafayette, IN home remodeler, can transform your kitchen experience. Think pull-out cabinets that make reaching for that special holiday spice effortless, or appliance garages that keep your countertops clutter-free while keeping your tools within easy reach.

But what about those extra plates and seasonal decor? Custom pantry organizers can be a game-changer, providing ample and accessible space for all your holiday essentials. This isn’t just about adding shelves; it’s about creating a system that works for you and your unique holiday needs.

While some storage solutions like using vertical space or hanging pot racks might be simple DIY projects, the true potential of your kitchen’s storage capacity is unlocked through professional remodeling. Upgrading to custom cabinetry or reimagining your pantry layout with the help of experts ensures that every inch of your kitchen is optimized, not just for the holidays but for everyday efficiency.

Remember, a well-organized kitchen isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about creating a stress-free environment where holiday cooking and hosting become more enjoyable and less of a chore. So, let’s make the most of your kitchen’s storage potential and ensure this holiday season is marked by joy, not clutter.

Double the Ovens, Double the Feast

The holidays are a time for generous feasting, and often, that means cooking multiple dishes at once. This is where the brilliance of having double ovens comes into play. Imagine seamlessly roasting your turkey in one, while pies and side dishes get perfectly baked in the other, all at their ideal temperatures.

The beauty of double ovens lies in their versatility and capacity to handle the holiday rush. With double ovens, you’re not just preparing meals; you’re orchestrating a symphony of flavors and aromas, all timed to perfection. This isn’t just a luxury; for avid holiday hosts, it’s a necessity.

But how do you integrate a double oven into your existing kitchen? This is where the expertise of a professional remodeling team becomes invaluable. Our team here at Riverside Construction, for instance, excels in seamlessly integrating double ovens into your kitchen’s layout. Whether it’s designing custom cabinetry to house the new appliances or reconfiguring your kitchen space to accommodate them, professionals ensure that your kitchen not only functions superbly but also maintains its aesthetic appeal.

Choosing the right double oven can be a journey in itself. Do you opt for convection, traditional, or a combination? What size best fits your kitchen and cooking style? A kitchen remodeling expert can guide you through these choices, ensuring that your selection not only meets your holiday needs but also enhances your overall kitchen experience.

So, let’s double the joy and efficiency of your holiday cooking with a kitchen that’s equipped to handle everything the season brings. After all, the best holiday memories are often cooked up in the kitchen.

Countertops That Count

The right countertops can be the unsung heroes of your holiday kitchen. They’re not just surfaces for meal prep; they’re the stages on which your holiday culinary masterpieces come to life. Choosing the right materials for durability, ease of cleaning, and style can significantly elevate your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic.

Durability is key when selecting countertops, especially during the holiday rush. Materials like quartz or granite offer resilience against scratches and heat – crucial when you’re moving hot pots and pans around. Plus, their easy-to-clean nature means more time enjoying the festivities and less time scrubbing.

But let’s not forget style. The countertop material and design you choose can set the tone for your entire kitchen. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look with stainless steel or a warm, inviting feel with butcher block, your countertops should reflect your personal style and complement your home’s overall decor.

Here’s where a professional touch makes all the difference. A kitchen remodel isn’t just about replacing old surfaces; it’s about reimagining your space. A reputable Design/Build remodeler understand how to balance functionality with aesthetics. They can help you navigate the myriad of options, ensuring your countertops aren’t just practical, but also a reflection of your unique taste and lifestyle.

Remember, your countertops are more than just work surfaces. They’re a central part of the kitchen where guests gather, conversations flow, and holiday memories are made. Let’s make sure they’re not only built to last but also to impress.

Room for More: Kitchen Layouts for Multiple Cooks

The holidays often bring together family and friends, and many of those memorable moments happen in the kitchen. But when it becomes a bustling hub of activity, you need a layout that allows multiple people to cook, interact, and enjoy without feeling cramped. That’s where thoughtful kitchen design plays a crucial role.

Designing a kitchen workflow that accommodates multiple cooks is both an art and a science. It’s about creating enough space so that everyone can move around freely, yet keeping the layout intimate enough for shared cooking experiences. This might mean rethinking your kitchen’s traditional work triangle (the space between the stove, refrigerator, and sink) to allow for better flow and accessibility.

The role of kitchen islands and peninsulas can’t be overstated in this scenario. Not only do they provide additional workspace, but they also serve as informal gathering spots for guests or a place for kids to pitch in with holiday preparations. With the right design, these elements can be the focal point of your kitchen, offering both utility and a space for socializing.

We can help you navigate these design considerations. Our team of designers bring expertise in maximizing space, improving workflow, and creating an environment that’s not just functional but also warm and inviting. From selecting the right materials to optimizing the layout, their guidance is invaluable in creating a kitchen that’s ready for the holidays and every day in between.

So, let’s create a kitchen that’s not just a place for cooking, but a space where memories are made, stories are shared, and the holiday spirit thrives.

Island Seating: The Holiday Social Hub

The kitchen island often becomes the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. It’s more than just an additional workspace; it’s where guests naturally gather, conversations flow, and where the warmth of shared experiences radiates. The right seating at your island can transform it into the ultimate holiday social hub.

Choosing the right seating for your kitchen island involves more than just picking stylish stools. It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to linger and chat. Comfort is key – you want seats that welcome guests to relax, whether they’re sipping on a festive drink or keeping the cook company.

But how do you choose seating that complements your kitchen’s design and holiday decor? This is where a bit of expert advice can go a long way. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or cozy, rustic charm, designers can guide you in selecting seating that not only matches your style but also enhances the functionality of your kitchen island.

Remember, your kitchen island isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a central stage in your holiday hosting. It’s where kids might do their holiday crafts, where friends gather to share stories, or where the last touches to the feast are added. With the right seating, your island can become a cherished spot where holiday moments are enjoyed and remembered.

Let’s make your kitchen island more than just a workspace. Let’s turn it into a warm, inviting social hub that complements your kitchen’s design and elevates your holiday hosting experience.

Bringing It All Together: Elevating Your Holidays with a Dream Kitchen

As we’ve explored, the right kitchen updates can transform your holiday hosting experience from stressful to sublime. From maximizing storage space to choosing the perfect countertops, each element plays a vital role in creating a kitchen that’s not just a place for cooking, but a haven for holiday cheer and warmth.

These upgrades do more than just add a festive touch; they enhance the functionality and flow of your kitchen, making it a place where memories are made and traditions are honored. Whether it’s through the practicality of double ovens, the social atmosphere of island seating, or the thoughtful layout for multiple cooks, each update brings you closer to achieving holiday harmony in your home.

And while some improvements can be simple DIY projects, the true transformation of your kitchen into a holiday-ready space often requires the skill and expertise of professional remodelers. We can bring your vision to life, ensuring that every update not only meets your holiday needs but also adds value and beauty to your home year-round. Start dreaming today!

So as you prepare for the holiday season, consider how these kitchen updates can not only ease your hosting duties but also enhance the joy and celebration in your home. Let your kitchen be a space where every holiday moment is cherished, and every meal is a feast of not just food, but of love and togetherness.

Contact Riverside Construction

When you choose Riverside Construction, you can expect a professional and comprehensive approach. By collaborating with our team, you can transform your bathrooms into functional and beautiful spaces that promote safety, independence and comfort for years to come.

In the meanwhile, view our portfolio of kitchen remodels. And sign up for our newsletter for ongoing inspiration!

10 Common Kitchen Design Issues and How to Fix Them

March 31, 2022/0 Comments/in Home Design, Home Remodeling, Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

Designing a new kitchen before a remodel is an exciting process. So much so that it can be all too easy to skip ahead and miss some important design decisions. From fixtures and fittings to layouts and storage, there are many different kitchen design issues to fix before remodeling work begins.

In this article, we look at the most common design dilemmas to consider when designing your new dream kitchen. With some careful planning, you can enjoy a kitchen space perfect for all the family, which will, in the long term, add significant value to your property.

10 Common Kitchen Design Issues and Solutions

1. Think About the Flow

The key to any successful kitchen design is the flow of the layout. In other words, how people typically move about in space. The traditional flow in 20th Century home kitchens was triangular, where we moved primarily between the sink, range, and fridge. Nowadays, kitchens have expanded in both size and function.

During the design stage, it’s essential to consider how you, your family, and guests will use the kitchen. For example, certain foods and utensils may need to be positioned closer to particular fixtures than others. If you’re a family of enthusiastic bakers, then your kitchen’s layout and flow might be somewhat different than if you’re not.

2. Envision Your Kitchen with More Than One Cook

Related to flow is how many people are involved in food preparation at any one time. If you love to cook or bake together, then your kitchen will need more space so people can move about without injury or obstacles. Consider also whether you often have guests to join you as you cook. Will you need an area for guests or family to be comfortably seated so you can chat and entertain at the same time?

Another design consideration is accessibility for disabled or elderly family members who might join you in food prep. In this case, a second sink placed at a lower level might be a requirement, as will wider access to specific appliances and surfaces.

3. Consider Cabinet Clearance

A common kitchen design mistake is failing to leave enough room to open cabinet doors and drawers. Misplacing cabinets is an easy error to make without careful measuring. For optimal usage and the most fulfilling kitchen experience, it’s crucial to ensure cabinets have plenty of clearance.

Consider how far out a door needs to swing and whether this movement will impact other doors, cabinets, appliances, and fixtures. You don’t want to have to force people to wait before being able to get past you.

4. Maximize Vertical Wall Space

Walls are an often underutilized space, especially in smaller kitchens. And that’s a shame because they offer valuable storage real estate that can improve both the function and the aesthetics of a kitchen interior. You can mix and match cabinets and open shelving to create a beautiful look perfect for your desired kitchen style.

Kitchen walls make excellent showcase spaces as well where you can highlight your unique tastes and personalities. You can present anything from cookbooks, photographs, and decorative art to cookware collections, lamps, dried food canisters, and more, to enhance the aesthetics of your cooking and dining areas.

5. Accommodate Needed Storage

Another mistake many homeowners make when designing a new kitchen is underestimating just how much storage space they’ll need. It’s important to plan ahead in great detail and determine what exactly will be stored in your kitchen and where. Doing so will ensure you have enough space for everything that can be stored away to avoid too much surface clutter.

There are countless easily-accessible storage options for kitchens that allow for the storage of more items in a single space. In addition, the floor space can also be included as a storage feature with the inclusion of a multifunctional trolley, for example.

6. Measure Appliances

You may have your eye on some fantastic new appliances, but will they fit in your dream kitchen? The dimensions of all kitchen appliances need to be carefully measured and considered. For example, you might select a large, deep refrigerator in your kitchen only to find out that it grates on your nerves because it curtails your movement and looks oversized compared to its surroundings.

Choose your appliances in conjunction with your design so you and your professional designer can incorporate them seamlessly into the final design. As well as refrigerators, think about the dimensions of dishwashers, microwaves, food processors, toaster ovens, espresso machines, and any other appliances you need.

7. Room for an Island

Kitchen islands make lovely visual and functional additions to the center of a kitchen. But they don’t suit all kitchens, especially smaller ones. Simply adding an island for the sake of it can lead to circulation difficulties and an aesthetic mismatch. The same applies to placing an island in the wrong location or at the wrong angle.

It’s important to measure out the space where you potentially want an island to go. Consider how the structure might influence how you move about your kitchen and access cupboards and drawers. An excellent alternative to an island is a peninsula, depending on your kitchen shape. A peninsula is very similar to an island, except one end is attached to the wall.

8. Proper Lighting and Lighting Placement

It’s not a lot of fun cooking or baking in a dark environment. As one of the most practical rooms in the home, it’s crucial your kitchen lighting supports your food preparation and cooking activities.

Your food prepping area will require brighter and stronger lighting when compared to the dining space, while more localized lighting can help you quickly identify items in cupboards and drawers. Dimmable ceiling lights will also influence your home’s ambiance.

9. Install Enough Outlets in the Proper Places

It’s easy to forget just how many electrical appliances the typical home kitchen features. During the design stage, think about the appliances you have – or will purchase – and how these will influence your workflow within the kitchen.

For example, consider where you will make coffee, where the toaster will go, and even whether your laptop or tablet will be a regular feature on a particular countertop. If in doubt, it’s better to install too many electrical outlets than too few. There are also several clever ways to hide outlets these days, including in drawers for charging smartphones and other electronic devices.

10. Choose the Right Paint Finish for Your Cabinets

The common dilemma homeowners face when designing a kitchen is whether to choose natural wood or a painted finish for the cabinets. As the cabinet doors collectively take up a large surface area, they make quite a visual impact on the overall design scheme.

There are pros and cons to both choices, but the decision usually comes down to how much you like natural wood features and how messy the surfaces of your kitchen might get, especially if you have children.

Painted surfaces allow for a clean and powerful color feature. On the other hand, natural stained wood finishes allow the beauty of the natural wood grains to show through and tend to hide dirt and grime better than a painted wood surface.

Work With a Qualified Design-Build Firm

With so many kitchen design dilemmas to figure out, 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 various fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, guide you on pandemic-related 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 home 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 Appliance Trends for 2019

June 19, 2019/0 Comments/in Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

Not only are modern kitchens more attractive and more functional than their older counterparts, but the possibilities for personalization are almost limitless. Convenience and design combine to make a new kitchen remodeling project an adventure in individual expression. No matter how you plan to enhance the heart of your home, you’ll want to investigate exciting new appliance options before finalizing your plans.

Appliance innovations have made cooking, cleanup, and food storage easier and more stylish than ever before. The kitchen of your future will be nothing like your grandmother’s kitchen. Instead, it is likely to be a model of efficiency and high-tech design—and they generally fall into these three categories:

Technology and Smart Options

Photo courtesy of B2B News Network

State-of-the-art technology has made possible new options that range from touch controls and smartphone integration to alternative cooking methods. Talk to your appliances or control them via a smartphone from across the room or across town, or choose to let your appliances communicate wirelessly with one another. Home assistants like Alexa or Google Home are a welcome addition to a kitchen as well.

Connection Is Key: Bluetooth sync-ability between appliances has recently been introduced by GE. Your new oven can communicate with your microwave; a washer might “talk” to its partner dryer, and a dishwasher will interact with the power company to ensure low-rate usage times. You don’t even have to be there for it to happen. Why is this important? These connected appliances can respond to signals from your energy provider to avoid using energy during times of peak demand (when rates are higher) and ultimately save you money on your home energy bill.

Finger Touch and Swipe: Say goodbye to clunky knobs and pushbuttons. Adjust settings on your future refrigerator or cooktop in much the same way you use a touch-screen tablet; soon, a whole host of major appliances will boast touch and swipe control pads.

Appliance Design and Placement

Photo Courtesy of Arizona Wholesale Supply

Options include under-counter, fully integrated into surrounding cabinetry, or built-in placement that emphasizes sleek lines and seamless appearances. There are numerous ways to personalize your appliance — including color, material, and design.

Column Refrigeration: They’ve been around for some time now, but slim refrigerator and freezer columns are hot in kitchen design circles for 2019. The separation allows placement for maximum convenience, or to save kitchen floor space by locating a freezer unit out of the central workspace. Tall wine coolers and dedicated beverage refrigerators are also extremely popular with owners who entertain frequently.

Appliance Drawers: Installed under the counter, in an island, peninsula, or at any convenient point in the layout, small-size refrigerator and freezer drawers, as well as drawer-style dishwashers and alternative ovens or warming drawers, are the wave of the future! They are often supplementary appliances in large kitchens but also function well for primary use in a small kitchen. Placed near a central point of use, such as a bar or prep counter; they are easy to reach and accessible by residents with mobility issues.

Contemporary Built-Ins: Sleek, modern ovens look seamless when installed flush into a wall of cabinets; the blend of style and function is smart and practical. Other popular built-in choices include coffee-makers, espresso machine, and toaster ovens.

Alternatives and Specialties

Some of our favorite specialty appliance offerings for 2019 include:

Double door ovens
Induction cooktops
Steam and radiant-light ovens
Variable temperature refrigeration
Indoor grills and pizza ovens
Glass door refrigerators
Retro appliances

If you’re considering a home remodel, make sure to take full advantage of all of the fantastic appliances available as you develop your design plan.

Whatever your preferences, the team at Riverside Construction is equipped to help you with forward-thinking advice, spatial planning and kitchen remodeling ideas. Need some kitchen design inspiration? Visit our Kitchen Design Portfolio. Or for more insider tips and remodeling education, make sure to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter, or sign up to attend our popular home remodeling seminars.

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

July 2, 2018/0 Comments/in Kitchen, Kitchen Remodeling/by Riverside Construction

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

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!

Kitchen Remodels: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

June 2, 2017/0 Comments/in Kitchen, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Design/by Riverside Construction

Is your current kitchen out of date or not functioning well? Is it too small or closed off from the rest of your home? Perhaps you’re ready to get cooking with a brand-new kitchen remodel, but the whole thing is feeling a bit overwhelming, from cabinetry to countertops, and appliances to air ducts.

That’s where the design and planning at Riverside Construction adds enormous value. We’ll get to know you and your kitchen needs through an initial on-site consultation. Then, we deliver a comprehensive scope of work alongside a realistic budget, fit to bring your dream kitchen to life.

Before that, though, let’s start with an overview of the three types of kitchen remodels to consider: Basic, Mid-Level, and Deluxe.

The Basic Kitchen Remodel

Love to cook but not in love with your current kitchen? A basic, cosmetic remodel elevates your existing layout, appliances, and fixtures and spares expenses for plumbing and ductwork, while implementing the professional polish essential to a complete remodel. A basic kitchen remodel involves replacing easily removed products and typically runs $20,000 – $35,000.

So, what does a basic remodel look like? Here are some items it might include.

Efficient Lighting — Recessed lights are nice, but they offer a lot less illumination than the average light fixture (60 vs. 120+ W). Simple light fixtures with 120w, 180w, or more can be simple, tasteful, and brilliantly illuminating, all without the hefty price tag.

Simple Appliances — One of the keys to a successful basic kitchen remodel is the use of simple appliances that don’t need to be built-in. Nixing the custom cabinetry saves you both money and time.

Go Vinyl — What’s a remodel without new flooring? Vinyl is the versatile material of choice for floors and other surfaces, and can even make a great-looking backsplash. Speaking of backsplashes, if it’s in your budget, a ceramic tile backsplash is a great splurge for an extra stylish finish to your basic kitchen remodel.

Cabinet Hardware — Reusing your existing cabinetry is one of the key ways to keep costs down, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with dated or damaged storage. Fix up any broken cabinets or replace cabinet doors and consider adding new cabinet hardware to upgrade your kitchen. When it comes to cabinets, a little goes a long way.

Lovely Laminates — Laminate is a surface material whose reputation has come a long way in recent years. Photo printed laminate countertops and a bevy of striking edge designs provide lots of aesthetic choices at low cost.

The Mid-Level, Pull and Replace Kitchen Remodel

Want to break the mold of your existing kitchen layout? A pull and replace kitchen remodel lets you do just that. Whether it’s a new island or professional-grade appliances, a mid-level remodel totally reworks your kitchen from the ground up, including moving appliances, plumbing, ductwork, electrical, and more. Ranging from $25,000 – $55,000, a mid-level kitchen remodel creates the space you need for the renewed functionality you desire.

A pull and replace kitchen remodel may include:

Professional Appliances — Liberate your inner chef with awesome appliances. From stainless steel refrigerators to double convection ovens, it’s all on the table.

The Island — As the focal point to your new kitchen remodel, why not consider an island? It’s perfect for serving up a meal hot from the oven, or for the family to gather around as dinner is being prepared.

Upgraded Cabinetry — Upgrade cabinets with standard cabinet sizes and eye-catching materials like maple with a custom glaze. Get the beautiful storage you need without compromising. Make the most of your kitchen’s existing storage space by installing a pull-out shelf in one—or all—of the base cabinets.

Designer Accessories — Select the details and accessories that make your kitchen feel unique. Custom handles and knobs are a great way to make it personal.

New Floors — With a bigger budget, wood and ceramic floors enter the picture, and boy do they make a great impression!

Surfaces Built to Last — For surfaces that look and feel amazing year after year, look no further than stone counters and glass tile backsplashes. Pricier than laminate, quartz and natural stone (like granite), look sharp for decades.

The Deluxe, Custom Kitchen Remodel

Got great taste and a budget to match? Let’s talk cutting edge style and chef-approved functionality. Whether it’s a built-in refrigerator or a Wolf gas range, a custom kitchen remodel, quite literally, can have it all. From $40, 000 to $125,000, the deluxe kitchen remodel wipes the slate clean with a brand new, well, everything — all put together in a totally fresh layout. It involves redesigning the layout, moving walls, demoing an existing area or adjacent spaces, new framing, relocating and updating plumbing and electrical, and installing custom cabinetry.

Here are some of the items you might look forward to in your deluxe kitchen remodel:

Architectural Consistency — Not only should your kitchen look great, but it should also look like a part of your home. Tall ceilings with beadboard finishing, leaded glass windows, crown moldings, or authentic baseboards and casings are just a taste of what’s possible when it comes to integrating your remodel into the home you already love.

High End Material — Start with the richest of materials and accessories for your deluxe kitchen remodel— wood floors, stone counters, and even a chandelier. Add an oriental rug to add to elegance and style that’s uniquely yours.

Totally Custom Cabinetry — The finest craftsmanship and construction goes into fully custom-sized and custom-designed storage to make your kitchen cabinets both uncommonly beautiful and functional.

Creative Storage — Why settle for stock cabinets? Go custom with drop-down doors that turn into extra counter space for those big holiday spreads, or that tastefully conceal a small appliance when it’s not in use.

Cooking with Elegance — Serve up meals using pro tools in world-class style with a hand-made La Cornue range (or Sub-Zero and Wolf) and custom hood built to your specifications. Truly, it’s the most beautiful, stylish, and functional kitchen fixture that money can buy.

Backsplash With Style — Ground your cooking area with a stone mosaic backsplash that is the finest in class and can last literally decades.

Unified Style — Add the details that tie the whole kitchen together, from the table-like island to feet on the base of the sink, and know that cabinets don’t have to look like cabinets! Get all the details that age and style the kitchen to the surrounding house without sacrificing any functionality or efficiency.

Built-In Appliances — Tuck high-end appliances behind wooden doors and custom wood panels consistent with the style of the rest of your kitchen.

Attention to Details — Get the extra attention that achieves your vision of a perfect kitchen, such as a farmhouse-style sink or a faucet from the era in which the house was built.

You’ll pay more for high-end materials and detailing, but your remodeled kitchen will be both a visual treat and a joy to you and your family for years to come.

If you’re ready to get remodeling, join us at our Kitchen and Bath Seminar to learn how to successfully remodel your home. We’d love to see you there!

If you can’t make it to the seminar, you can always schedule a conversation with one of our qualified design-build professionals to discuss your home remodeling timeline, budget, functional needs, and design preferences.

A Lesson in Kitchen Cabinetry Design

February 3, 2017/0 Comments/in Green Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Kitchen, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Design/by Riverside Construction

Everything You Need to Know About Designing Your Kitchen to Fit Your Needs and Lifestyle.

An integral part of any kitchen remodel is the cabinetry—from the initial layout to materials, finishes and colors. And, how you put these elements together will define a space that not only fits your functional lifestyle needs, but also expresses your unique, personal design style.

Put function first

When planning your cabinets, first consider their placement. Will you choose a more traditional layout, or follow the more popular open floor plan concept? Will you design your cabinets above and below the kitchen counter to create a divide between your living room or dining room; or will you include cabinetry in a center island to create a more modern, open floor plan? No matter which layout you choose, make sure it is functional (the classic triangle layout of sink/stove/refrigerator is preferred). Your choice in cabinets will make a big impact on your home—from aesthetics to flow and function.

Consider the materials and colors you will use

Choose from a variety of popular wood options straight from nature, including Maple, Cherry, Hickory, and Oak.

Some alternative options include manufactured products like Thermofoil (vinyl wrapped door) and laminate, which is made up of three resin-saturated layers: a base layer of paper, a printed and colored layer (which can look like wood), and a protective transparent layer.

The color of your cabinets is limited only by your imagination. An endless variety of paints, stains and glazes are available to suit every taste.

Next, consider Cabinet Doors

Door style is an important component of kitchen cabinet design and commonly defines the style of your kitchen, whether traditional or modern.

Traditional cabinets are commonly framed in their construction, which means horizontal and vertical wood panels form a frame at the front of the cabinet box. Framed cabinets attach door hinges to the frame face and shelves are usually, but not always, adjustable. The frame extends beyond the width of the box and covers a small portion of the inside of the box interior. A variety of door styles are available with framed cabinets and are an ideal choice for kitchens where saving space is not as much of a concern. This type of cabinet is a popular choice for traditional and transitional design style kitchens.

A Riverside Project

Modern cabinets have a more streamlined design featuring straight, clean lines without much ornamentation. They are also commonly frameless, which means they are constructed without a face frame and have minimal space between the doors and drawers—maximizing interior storage and drawer space. In fact, frameless cabinets can give you up to 15% more usable space within the same footprint. The flush-finished end gives frameless cabinets a furniture-like appearance and is often used with contemporary and modern style kitchens.

Courtesy of Wellborn Cabinets

Choose a Cabinet Door Style

Whether your design style is craftsman, contemporary, rustic, Mediterranean or modern you’ll find a cabinet door design to meet your needs. The following is a list of some of the more popular cabinet door styles. What style feels right for you?

Shaker – The Shaker cabinet is the most common style in kitchens today. It consists of a frame made from four pieces and a single flat center panel for the fifth piece. Its clean simple lines go well with a variety of décor.

Flat/Slab – Simple but stylish, the flat-panel cabinet door is void of fancy embellishments. With straight lines and simple form, it’s the perfect choice for contemporary and modern decor.

Beadboard – Beadboard was used in the past as an embellishing wall treatment before plaster, drywall and paint became common. The center panel of the cabinet doors in this style are made to look like traditional beadboard paneling, this style is perfect for cottage and shabby chic interiors.

Open – Open cabinets are a popular trend with a casual style that essentially removes the cabinet doors and exposes the shelves and supplies inside. Perfect for those who want to display their prized kitchen possessions and beautiful dishware, but probably not the best choice if you tend to have a cluttered kitchen!

Raised Panel – With this cabinet style, the center panel is raised above the rest of the door or drawer and there is usually a recessed border around it. Raised panel cabinets are often more detailed and intricate and tend to work well with traditional, transitional, country and rustic style kitchens.

Recessed Panel – Unlike raised panel cabinets, recessed panel cabinets have a flat center panel with a raised border around it, which gives off a sleeker appearance. The lack of embellishments for this style lends itself to a modern or contemporary style but can also blend well with transitional and even traditional styles.

Consider Unique Cabinet Drawer Features

In most kitchens, alongside cabinet doors you’ll find a standard bank of drawers for holding utensils, cookware and other items. Cabinet manufacturers have been busy coming up with more creative drawer features to ensure your kitchen is functional and clutter free – here are just of few examples:

Corner Drawers for Maximizing Space

Cutlery Drawer

Cutting Board Drawer

Deep Drawer Divider

Drawer for Fresh Bread

Spice Rack Drawer

Charging Station Drawer

Drawers aren’t the only area getting added features, below are even more examples of ways to ensure your cabinets work their hardest for you:

Towel Rack Cabinet

Stem Glass Holder

Pet Station (courtesy of Carla Aston)

Blind Corner Functional Shelf

Lazy Susan

Pantry Pull Out

Tray Divider

Vegetable Bin

Waste & Recycle Bins

With an endless choice of color, material options and style options to choose from, take some time to research some of your options. And remember we are here to help when you’re ready to start designing the kitchen you’ve been dreaming about. The sooner you can narrow your selections and define a plan that fits your budget, the sooner you can be begin cooking and entertaining in your new space.

Ready to design your new kitchen cabinets? Take the first step by scheduling a conversation with one of our professional designers. Or call today at (765) 838-1644.

Looking to renovate your kitchen, but need some more inspiration? Explore these kitchen cabinet design ideas from Riverside Construction before starting on your kitchen remodel.

We also schedule complimentary kitchen remodeling seminars regularly each month. Let us know your interest in attending by signing up today.

Picture or Rendering?

September 8, 2016/0 Comments/in Basement, Bathroom, blog, Home improvement, Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

Can you tell the difference between these two pictures? On first glance both images appear pretty similar. Read more

How to Make your Kitchen Island Highly Functional

May 13, 2015/in blog, Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

How well does your kitchen function? Kitchens continue to be one of the most used areas of many home and sometimes the room that causes us the most frustration. This month we’re focusing on one of the most loved, hated or desired items in your kitchen – the kitchen island. Read more

Upgrades for your Kitchen and Bathroom

April 10, 2015/in Bathroom, blog, Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

What’s one of the most fun parts of every remodeling project? Exploring options and choosing those upgrades that will most benefit you and your family! The problem is figuring out how to decide just which upgrades are valuable to you and which ones just aren’t worth it. Read more

5 Secrets to Creating a Long Lasting Kitchen

March 5, 2015/in blog, Kitchen/by Riverside Construction

Kitchens are one of the most used rooms in our homes. No one wants to spend time remodeling their kitchen only to find that it’s either dated or falling apart in only a couple of years. Everyone wants a room that will look and function beautifully for a long time. We all want a long lasting kitchen! Read more