Tag: kitchen design tips

Outdated Kitchen Trends

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Outdated kitchen trends

Some kitchen designs are timeless. You can never go wrong with the classic white cabinets or a modest backsplash. But there are some trends that just can’t stand the test of time. You might want to learn which styles are always in and which just aren’t in fashion anymore. We have done the work for you and found all the outdated kitchen trends to watch out for.

Before investing in a new set of sintered stone countertops, take a look at some of the most outdated kitchen trends to ensure you aren’t falling into a design trap. Get professional advice to help you out with new kitchen design ideas, so you don’t feel like you’re falling behind with old times. 

Outdated Kitchen Trends

Below are what we consider the most outdated kitchen trends.

Microwave Placement

Where the microwave is installed can make a huge difference in the stylistic impact of your kitchen. It used to be a popular design choice to install the microwave right over the range, but this is turning out to be quite impractical. 

It is important that all appliances and needs are as accessible as possible, and placing the microwave above the oven and stovetop can make it too far out of the way. Anyone who can’t reach that high will not be able to access the microwave at all. 

Not to mention, the buildup of smoke and grease from cooking can cause defects in the microwave’s hardware. Try to think of another place where this appliance would be better off!  

Out with the Artwork

There was a certain point in time where hanging specific pieces of art was considered to be fashionable in the kitchen. Nowadays, it would be a stretch to justify the addition of paintings or pictures to your kitchen walls. 

Some restaurants can pull off the look, as pictures of fruit or pleasant dining situations can often add to the ambiance. But that same kind of atmosphere can’t be replicated in your own home kitchen!

Still want to decorate your walls with art? That’s fine, but try graphic or 3D art instead. This can really make an impact without looking old and dusty. The problem is when you opt for specific kitchen art.

Fancy Furniture Designs

Thinking back on the days of old Victorian-style homes and colonial housing, there was always a statement to be made with lavish cabinetry and ornate designs. The fancier the handles and patterns were, the better. But nowadays, all that fancy stuff serves to do is collect dust. 

You don’t need to remove the hardware itself, but you might want to find something that fits more of a modern style. In recent years, minimalism has become the popular favorite of homeowners around the world. 

If you want to keep the ornate furniture around, you can find other rooms in the house where it would have a better fit. 

Don’t Stress Over Distressed Cabinets

There are a million and one types of finish you can apply to kitchen cabinets. Different colors and textures can capture many different styles. But one, in particular, is not as popular as it once was: 

Distressing. 

The distressed cabinet look is a distinctive trend towards the chic and shabby look, making the cabinets look like they are purposely aging. But adding a distressing finish is not as popular as finding real, vintage distressed wood. All in all, it is better to refinish your cabinets with a completely new look. 

Go Big or Go Backsplash

You can always have a backsplash in your kitchen. But the type and size of backsplash you have can really make a difference. Some of the more outdated backsplashes are large, bold, and tiled. 

Smaller backsplashes are in, and you don’t need to get wild with ornate patterns or designs. A simple and modest backsplash works just fine – or no backsplash at all. 

Get the Best Styles for Your Kitchen Today

At Neolith, we work hard to stay up to date on the latest kitchen fashions and design trends. From choosing your countertops to your flooring, there are so many things to take into consideration when setting up your kitchen’s timeless look. Choose among many countertop color choices and kitchen cabinet styles with our Neolith pros today!

Kitchen Design Tips

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Best kitchen design tips

The kitchen is the heart of your home. It is where the first sips of coffee, much-needed lunch breaks, delicious holiday dinners, and more than a few late-night desserts take place. These moments can seem small, but they also become some of the most cherished amid everyday life. Give your life a beautiful backdrop with these five kitchen design tips. For more information on designing your dream kitchen, contact the experts at Vadara Quartz today.

Tip #1: Design for your kitchen in mind

Hopping on Pinterest or visiting model kitchen designs is a great way to get inspiration. However, the kitchen you design should have one important element in mind: you! Here are a few questions to get you started:

  • How do you use your kitchen?
  • What features should be included to help you prepare, cook, and clean in your everyday life?
  • How big are your appliances?
  • What storage and cabinetry do you need for your utensils, pots, pans, and gadgets?
  • What do you love and hate about your current kitchen?

Each of these questions should be considered in-depth to ensure that you have a kitchen that is as efficient as it is beautiful. 

Tip #2: Let the Room Breathe

When you or your loved ones walk into your kitchen, you want it to be inviting, spacious, and comforting. However, if the cabinets, appliances, and island are all crowding each other, then your kitchen will have a much different vibe. When designing your kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to allow about 4 feet of space between cabinets and in the walkway.

Tip #3: Focus on Lighting

Even if your kitchen has a lot of natural light, the lighting placement and style you select will have a significant impact on the time spent in your kitchen. Before simply selecting a lighting fixture based on aesthetics, make sure also to consider functionality. Otherwise, you will be cooking in the shadows, which can lead to dangerous accidents like cuts and slips.

Tip #4: Think Vertically

This tip is crucial, especially if you are working with a smaller space. If you design only horizontally, then you are missing out on valuable real estate in your kitchen. For extra storage and a beautifully dramatic look, take the cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. If you would prefer something with a bit more breathing room, you can always use open shelving with this tip as well. 

Tip #5: Use the Foundation of Your Kitchen

For most, the thought of a kitchen re-design means gutting the entire area and starting from scratch. However, it can be just a beautiful, and way more budget-friendly, to use the foundation of your kitchen as the base of your design. You can do this by simply creating an open-concept design and adding an island. Or maybe you want to keep some of the elements that add character but upgrade the appliances and cabinets. The opportunities are endless and can preserve some of the original features that made you love the kitchen in the first place.

The options can seem overwhelming, whether you are designing a kitchen in your new home or re-designing the one you currently have. By incorporating these five kitchen design tips, you will be on your way to a beautiful kitchen that you will love for years to come in no time and without the overwhelm. For more helpful information on designing your dream kitchen, contact the experienced team at Vadara Quartz today. 

Kitchen Redesign Mistakes To Avoid

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Kitchen redesign mistakes to avoid

The kitchen is where most of your home’s foot traffic likely is. Everyone has to eat or cook meals at some point! Between cooking dinner, having meals around the kitchen table, packing lunches, and having your morning cup of coffee, the kitchen gets a lot of foot traffic. Because the kitchen is so busy, a good redesign can vamp up the current design of your kitchen. Having your kitchen area feel comfortable, look inviting, and be user-friendly is essential. Most designers suggest a redesign at least every ten years as trends quickly change. Below you will find some tips and tricks to avoid the most common kitchen redesign mistakes people make.

Planning

This is likely the most important step in your kitchen redesign. Figure out what your theme is and how you want the overall design aesthetic to look. You need to inventory what you want to keep the same and what you want to change. Write down a list of what you want entirely replaced, what you want to be spruced up, and what you want completely gone. From there, you can assess your costs, plan, and ensure your design is cohesive. This step can also help you with determining which parts you can do on your own and which you will need support on.

Backsplash

Cabinetry and countertops need to mesh well aesthetically. People often spend a lot of time and money on the perfect color and material combos for their cabinets and countertops. However, it’s important to remember that you also need to include the backsplash. While it’s just the small space between the two areas, it is often overlooked and can truly impact your overall design aesthetic.

Following All of the Current Trends

Following trends can lead to kitchen redesign mistakes at times. You don’t want to follow all of the most recent trends, or you’ll quickly have an outdated looking kitchen. Follow one or two that you really love and then customize your design to your own style. You don’t want a kitchen that looks like it belongs in a specific outdated decade too quickly. You also want it to be your true style as you’re the one who is using it every day.

Countertops

Countertops need to be functional and look good. You also need to be sure and account for enough counter space, as you’ll likely need more than you think. Between countertop appliances and the need for functional space to cook, be sure you don’t short change yourself on counter space. In addition, countertops are not the part of your kitchen that you should scrimp on. Installing new countertops can be time-consuming. Invest now, so you don’t have to replace it for a while.

Functionality

You likely use your kitchen often, so don’t forget about functionality. It needs to have enough storage, enough counter space, and fully functional for your unique needs. You don’t want the cabinet your garbage is in to be behind the sink. You also don’t want the fridge opposite the main pantry. Think about how you utilize the kitchen space and design you already have, and focus on how you can improve that.

Countertop Experts

Vadara Quartz is one of the leaders in kitchen and dining surfaces. Vadara’s collection includes the finest quartz surfaces in the industry combining beauty, function, innovation, and value. They are so confident in their product that they provide a lifetime warranty to all customers, residential and commercial. There are Vadara distribution centers located all over the nation, including a vast network of authorized dealers around the country. Check out their website for their latest inventory and to see what is trending. Contact Vadara for more information and any questions you may have!