Creating a Cooking Focused Kitchen Design

Do you enjoy cooking? While some homeowners aspire to have a clutter free kitchen, perfect for entertaining, others want a kitchen built for cooking and preparing food. Surprisingly, cooking from scratch only ranked #4 in homeowner interests, according to the 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.

Although not everyone may not enjoy cooking from scratch, we believe creating a kitchen with cooking in mind can be beneficial for any home.  Thus, here are our top tips and trends for a cooking kitchen for 2018. Whether you are a cooking connoisseur, or if you plan on cooking more frequently for economical reasons, we hope that you'll get some inspiration from this post.

Creating Cooking Zones

When creating a kitchen for cooking, it is important to create a good working layout. This includes creating wider walkways to allow room for guests to pass by and perfecting the appliance zones. These include the sink, range, and refrigerator areas. By perfecting these zones, it will allow for a more efficient work flow and more enjoyable cooking experience.

Sink Zone

While there are many sink styles available on the market, we recommend farmhouse style or prep sinks for cooking kitchens since they often have larger basins. Installing a prep sink is a great option since it can have space for cutting boards, strainers, racks, and other accessories on the side. Along with a great sink, this zone should also house the dishwasher. In some larger kitchens, a dual dishwasher might be useful.

Range Zone

As for ranges, gas is often the most common choice for gourmet style kitchens since it provides the most control and accuracy while cooking. Depending on the amount of cooking you plan on doing, as well as the number of people you plan to cook for, it could be beneficial to upgrade from a 4 burner to 6 burner range.

Additionally, ranges with oversized hoods are becoming a big trend in recent kitchen design. That is because they can be personalized to the homeowner's style; in a sense, they can serve as as a sculptural piece of art in the space.

The range zone would also house any ovens, warming drawers, and microwaves.

Refrigeration Zone

If you have the space, it could be a good idea to invest in two refrigerators. The second refrigerator's main purpose would be dependent upon the type of cooking you plan on doing. A second refrigerator could be a great addition for extra food, such as homemade soups and sauces, or for bulky items that take up a significant amount of room in the main refrigerator.  On the other hand, if you tend to cook while company is over, it could be beneficial to install a refrigerator for beverages. This allows guests to serve themselves without getting in the way of meal preparation.

Another placement to consider, that is often in this zone, is the trashcan. There is nothing worse than a guest having to reach around you to use the trashcan while you are preparing the meal. Two separate trashcans are ideal - one where guests may be walking by, and other in the prep/cooking area. However, this isn't feasible for many kitchens. If you kitchen layout doesn't support two trashcans, place the trashcan between the cooking area and walkway for guests to also access.

Materials and Finishes

As far as materials go, it is important to choose items that will withstand daily wear and tear. This is especially true for the countertop, which is why 42% of home renovators splurged on this item. While granite was the leading material choice for kitchen countertops for many years, only 34% of homeowners chose it for their remodels in 2017-2018.  In comparison, quartz was favored by 43% of home renovators during this time. Quartz is a great option for a cooking kitchen since it is durable and requires less upkeep than granite.

Interested in quartz? We covered the advantages and disadvantages of quartz in a previous blog, read it here.

As far as appliance finishes, silver stainless steel continues to lead in kitchen trends for 2018. However, some manufacturers are coming out with black stainless and matt-black appliances. These are great options since they minimize the appearance of finger prints that often appear on silver stainless appliances, which is a large concern for most homeowners.

While there are many design tips that you can implement to make your kitchen more "cooking friendly", there is no one right way to design your kitchen. After all, your kitchen should work for the way you prefer to cook and bake. If you have any questions about getting started on your kitchen design, feel free to contact us. We proudly offer free estimates!

Why You Should Consider Quartz Countertops For Your Kitchen Renovation

Over the past several years, granite has always taken the lead in kitchen countertop materials. However, there is a newer, more popular, contender: quartz countertops. According to Kitchen and Bath Design News, "quartz is the most popular kitchen countertop material, and trending up. Granite, the second most popular countertop material, is trending down."

Photo: MSI Stone

Unlike granite countertops, which consist of slabs of natural stone, quartz countertops are not entirely made up of quartz. Quartz countertops are manufactured from 95% ground natural quartz with approximately 5% polymer resins; however, these numbers can vary between manufacturers. This is why they are sometimes referred to as "engineered stone countertops."

The appearance of the countertops depends on how finely milled the quartz is. Coarser quartz produces a flecked surface, while finer quartz yields a smooth surface. Until recently, quartz would often try to mimic the sought-after look of granite. These days, many homeowners are choosing the smooth, clean looking quartz countertops. This is particularly true in contemporary kitchens.

The main advantage of quartz over granite is that it is non-porous, which means that it does not require sealing. It is also more durable against scratches and stains, and can be cleaned easily with soap and water. Since it is easy to work with, quartz has even been showing up in bathroom showers and kitchen backsplashes. A great factor about quartz is that it is available in endless color options, with many that wouldn't be naturally available in stone.

Photo: Bob Vila

As an added bonus, quartz is becoming more affordable than it has been in the past. This may be due to its rise in popularity and the rising number of manufacturers that offer it. As for price, quartz countertops will run you about the same as granite.

While quartz countertops have many advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages to this material. One minor drawback of quartz countertops to keep in mind is that it is not very heat resistant. Hot pads and trivets are a must for those who have quartz in their kitchens. Additionally, it is highly recommended to hire a professional when installing quartz countertops. After all, quartz countertops are extremely heavy.

It is easy to see why quartz countertops are becoming more and more popular in kitchen renovations. With its non-porous surface, competitive pricing, and lifelong durability; it is clear why quartz is a main contender for countertops.

Kitchen Renovation: Granite or Quartz?

Kitchens are the heart of the home, it is where you prepare your meals and where family comes to gather together. A kitchen remodel is a large investment; however, it can also have the most bang for your buck. Thus, kitchen remodels are becoming increasingly popular. According to Home Advisor, your kitchen remodeling budget will be broken down by:

• Design fees: 4%
• Installation: 17%
• Appliances and ventilation: 14%
• Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
• Countertops: 10%
• Lighting: 5%
• Flooring: 7%
• Doors and windows: 4%
• Walls and ceilings: 5%
• Faucets and plumbing: 4%
• Other: 1%

Even though countertops only account for an average of 10% of your budget, choosing the right countertops can either make or break your kitchen remodel. The top two countertop materials on the market right now are granite and quartz. However, what are the pros and cons of each of these options?

Photo: Rise Above Remodeling

Appearance

Granite offers a natural stone aesthetic with many variations in the colors and markings. Some may prefer to have a natural look to their countertops, while others are turned off by the variations.

Quartz offers a more consistent look and comes in a variety of colors from neutrals to striking colors of blues, greens, oranges, and so on.

Granite Countertops in a traditional kitchen. Photo: Pinterest

Cost

In real estate, granite is often seen as a luxury item. It typically costs around $50-$100 per square foot. However, top-of-the-line granite can cost as much as $225 per square foot.

Surprisingly, quartz is often the more costly choice for countertops. This option can cost as much as $100-$185 per square foot.

White quartz countertop with white cabinets. Photo: Houzz

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of granite is its incredible heat resistance; however, it also comes with a major drawback. Granite is naturally porous, which makes is prone to stains and scratches. Depending on the type of granite and how often it is used; granite may be needed to be sealed every 1-3 years. The typical cost to have it sealed can range from $0.68 to $1.49 per square foot. Over time, this expense can add up.

On the other hand, quartz is non-porous and doesn’t require annual sealing like granite. Quartz is hygienic and is durable against scratches and stains. However, it is important to note that quartz may be burned easily from hot pots and develop chips in the material. To repair chipping, a professional service is required.

Comparison of Granite vs. Quartz Countertops from Forbes.com

Return on Investment

Given the recent scare of radon in granite, some homeowners may be weary of moving into a home with granite countertops. However, Forbes.com says, “granites contain parts per billion of radium…it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials.” Considering the radiation we experience from day-to-day life, including flying and walking around the city; the radium levels in granite should not be of very high concern. Fortunately, many of those in the market for a new home see granite as a bonus and can add as much as 75% return on investment.

Quartz comes in a close second to granite, as far as kitchen countertops go, with an average of 60% return on investment. This could be because of their lack of natural looking pigments and colors. Although quartz can come in almost any color, a neutral colored countertop would yield a much higher return than a brightly colored countertop.

Have questions about the best countertops for your kitchen remodel? Feel free to call us at 804-730-0982.