As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where we gather with friends and family to cook, eat, celebrate, and socialize. Spending so much time in the kitchen also means it can quickly become messy and disorganized. Fortunately, you can design your space so that it’s easy to find what you need — and return items to their rightful places. Read today’s featured article of the week for ways to create a tidy, clutter-free kitchen.
1. Create Adequate Storage Space
Open-concept kitchens, which open up to the main living and dining spaces, are popular in many new and renovated kitchens. When considering removing walls in your kitchen, keep in mind that you’ll also be eliminating storage space. Be sure there’s adequate storage elsewhere for all of your kitchen items and food.
2. Think About Island Storage
Many of our clients prefer generous-sized kitchen islands with bar seating because they entertain frequently and enjoy chatting with guests while preparing food. That means they may have to move bar stools to access island storage, depending on the design, which can be cumbersome.
Consider where your bar stools will be if you plan on incorporating storage into an island with lots of seating. Or try to store infrequently used items in the cabinets where there will be seating. (Also consider if your kitchen has the square footage necessary to accommodate an expansive island. In some cases, a large island can impede traffic flow.)
3. Opt for Large Drawers Instead of Lower Cabinets
I recommend using large drawers beneath countertops instead of conventional lower cabinets with shelves. I like this option because access is so much easier. With drawers, you won’t need to stoop down to search for something hiding in the back of a lower cabinet. Also, items can be more easily organized and stored. Keep in mind that drawers are more expensive than cabinets because of the additional internal hardware. Depending on your budget, the added functionality may be worth the splurge.
4. Reconsider Open Shelving
As a professional organizer, I recommend investing in traditional upper cabinets with doors for most of your upper storage. Unless everyone in your family is extremely organized, open shelves can quickly become cluttered and messy. Also, the items on shelves can become magnets for dust, grime and grease from cooking oil.
5. Choose Solid Doors for Upper Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets can be tempting, especially if you have beautiful glasses or dinnerware you want to display. However, cabinets can easily look cluttered if everything isn’t organized. If you love this look, perhaps consider installing only a few glass-front cabinets to display standout decor or kitchen items that aren’t used frequently.
6. Place Your Dishwasher for Easy Access to Storage
In most kitchens, the dishwasher is conveniently located next to the sink to simplify loading. When laying out your space, also think about the ease of unloading clean dishes and flatware. Consider where you’ll be standing when the dishwasher door is open and how easily you’ll be able to access drawers and storage.
Since emptying the dishwasher is a frequent task, convenient access to storage should be a priority. I have seen several kitchens where an open dishwasher door blocks access to storage for dinnerware and flatware. Other kitchen layouts require walking across the room to put away dishes. Also, make sure there’s plenty of space to stand at the sink when loading the dishwasher.
There are so many decisions to make when remodeling a kitchen. I recommend selecting a pro team that listens and collaborates with you during the design process so all of your needs are addressed. An experienced team should be able to create a new kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.
Quartz countertops are a beautiful and popular choice for many kitchens and bathrooms. They are durable and easy to care for, but they do require some special attention to keep them looking their best.
Do you have quartz countertops in your kitchen that you need to clean? If so, here are six tips to help you maintain clean quartz countertops:
Quartz is a non-porous material, so spills won’t penetrate the surface and cause stains. However, if they’re not wiped up quickly, they can still leave behind a residue that’s difficult to remove. So, as soon as something is spilled on your quartz countertop, wipe it up with a damp cloth.
Quartz is a durable material, but it’s not indestructible. Harsh cleansers can damage the surface, so it’s best to stick to milder products. You can use a gentle all-purpose cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar.
Scrubbers with abrasive surfaces, like steel wool or scouring pads, can scratch the surface of your quartz countertop. This will leave your countertop looking worn and ugly! So, when you’re cleaning, stick to soft cloths or non-abrasive scrubbers.
Harsh chemicals, like bleach, can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. So, it’s best to avoid using them altogether. If you must use a chemical cleaner, make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly afterward. Also, it is a smart idea to test spot an area first to make sure the chemical won’t damage the surface too much, if at all.
While quartz is a heat-resistant material, it can still be damaged by extreme heat. It’s okay to put warm items on it, like a hot cup of coffee. However, if you’re planning to place your pot on it right after making food, use caution. If possible, use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface, and then place the pot or any other extremely hot item on it. This way, the countertop is saved from the high heat that can cause damage.
Cutting directly on the surface of your quartz countertop can damage it. So, it’s best to use a cutting board when preparing food. This also applies to essentially any other countertop material if you want to keep it in pristine condition. However, if you do accidentally cut on the surface, wipe up the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris.
Beloved for their versatility and functionality, white quartz countertops (also referred to as engineered quartz) are a timeless way to level up the look of kitchens big and small. Unlike marble and soapstone—which are derived entirely from quarries in nature—white quartz is an engineered stone that combines natural ground quartz (about 90 percent of the product) with resins, pigments, and crushed waste stone (like remnants of marble or granite). The end result is a stunning and sleek surface that has all the appeal of natural stone but boasts added benefits, like a nonporous composition that makes it practically impervious to scratches, dents, bacteria, and stains (aka no more fearing your favorite glass of red will leave a lasting impression in your kitchen).
A word of warning though: The very resins that make white quartz countertops so nonporous and durable also make them sensitive to heat. Translation: Unless you want heat rings on your countertop, always use a trivet!
While white quartz countertops have gained popularity over the past ten years thanks in large part to innovative design leaps, the actual material creation process is nothing new. The development of white quartz surfaces can be traced back to the 1970s when Italian company Breton patented the original combination of quartz and resin—a formulation and patent most modern companies still rely on today. These days, big-name players in the white quartz game (think: brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, MSI, Silestone, and more) are constantly iterating on designs and patterns, incorporating veining and details that make white quartz countertops practically indistinguishable from their pricier natural stone competitors to the untrained eye.
There are many perks to choosing white quartz countertops, chief among them the material’s timeless aesthetic appeal. From all-white kitchens (complete with cloud-like countertops) to dramatic veining that immediately draws the eye, there is an engineered quartz countertop style to suit every interior. Plus, because samples of these manmade countertops are so easy to acquire (and see in person), designers and homeowners alike can easily try out different white quartz countertop samples in their existing space until they land on the perfect style.
Like natural stone options, white quartz countertops come with a lot of design flexibility and room for customization. The surface can be left polished—which is the typical factory standard—or be honed or leathered to acquire a more matte, natural look. Different countertop thicknesses are also available, though they’re more standardized (often ranging from 1 cm. to 3 cm.) than with traditional stone slabs. Another big perk? The uniformity of the pattern. While many white quartz countertops incorporate the look of veining, these details are standardized from slab to slab, making it easier for designs and fabricators to line up the patterns for a dramatic effect when incorporating high-end design details like a matchbook backsplash or waterfall island.
When it comes to choosing the right white quartz countertop for your kitchen, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. First and foremost, know that all whites are not made equal. What reads as cloud-like in a showroom may look downright yellow in your own kitchen, so it’s always a good idea to take home as many samples as you can, testing each alongside whatever finishes you’ve already chosen for your space (paint, flooring, cabinets, hardware) and observing their appearance throughout the day. If you’re considering a white quartz countertop with lots of veining or details, try going to a showroom that has the design either as a full slab or installed into a sample kitchen—oftentimes, veining can be hard to gauge off a tiny sample, and you may end up disliking a colorway once you see it larger-scale.
Last—but certainly not least—pricing comes into play. Engineered quartz countertops have gained a reputation as an affordable alternative for homeowners and designers looking for stone-like appeal, and while that’s not necessarily untrue, pricing for white quartz countertops can vary. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot.
Whether you’re revamping your existing kitchen or building your dream home from scratch, white quartz countertops offer up a combination of style and stability that is simply unmatched.
1. They Are Very Trendy
Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets.
Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.
The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.
2. Easy Maintenance
Now let’s talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and cost are important, but the functionality and low maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, are heat and stain resistant and are nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend using a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.
If you are design-savvy and are looking to add an upgraded feel to your kitchen, you should strongly consider Quartz for your kitchen countertops. Quartz counters add a striking visual appeal and durability to your kitchen surfaces. Due to its near infinite design options, quartz has become the most popular alternative to natural stones such as Granite and Marble for countertop material.
Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets. Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.
The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.
Now lets talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and the cost are important, but the functionality and low-maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, heat and stain resistant, and nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As we mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend to use a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.
While you are planning your new kitchen design, do you like having a wide variety to choose from? If you just answered, “Yes!”, Quartz countertops are probably a great fit for you and your project. Prepare yourself to have to choose from a large variety. As we spoke earlier, The selection of colors and patterns are almost endless. Even if you have the most precise taste or design idea, there is a Quartz to match your style. Albeit, Granite comes in a plethora of colors you could make the argument that there are more color options with Quartz.
As with all natural stones, the earthy tones, speckles, veining, and colors that have melded together. It is truly a magnificent feat that Mother Nature creates these stunning works of art in natural stone. Quartz offers the cleanliness of pure colors and patterns that are orchestrated and consistent. This creates a clean visual landscape in your space. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, there is a perfect quartz countertop for your project out there. East Coast Granite can help coordinate the quartz color with your cabinets and flooring ideas and then design a backsplash to match. Or we can simply install the same quartz you choose as a 4-inch backsplash.
Due to its durability, affordability, functionality, and low maintenance, quartz countertops perform well in a wide variety of kitchens. A quick summary of the highlights of Quartz countertops:
As one of Gainesville’s leading stone fabricators, we know upgrading your countertops will make a lasting investment. According to studies by the National Association of Realtors®, about 67% of what you spend on any kitchen upgrade is recovered when selling.
So if you’re not planning to sell yet, then this should become a worthwhile investment for you. How?
Well, the study also points out that 84% of those homeowners who remodel have a higher desire to be in their homes after renovating. 69% of them enjoy being at home more, and 57% just feel happier in general.
In other words, if you’re not planning to put your house on the market yet, it allows you to actually extract value from your quartz or granite countertops in the sense of time living there and still recouping a large part of your investment in the end. Make sense?
Let’s dig into this a bit more
When considering how much value-adding countertops can increase the worth of your property, there are several factors to take into account.
First off, the quality of installation plays a major role – if it is not done correctly, then it could actually lower the overall value of your home instead of increasing it. So please, make sure you stop by our showroom and speak to one of our professionals.
Additionally, certain types of stone will hold more value than others, depending on where you live. Quartz and granite countertops will have a higher perceived value than other mediums.
The current market conditions should always be taken into consideration as well. Again, if you are planning on selling the house soon, then this is something you need to discuss with your realtor now! In that same study mentioned above, it says that 30% of realtors recommend that you upgrade some aspect of your kitchen before selling.
Granite has long been considered one of the top materials when it comes to adding worth to a property, but Jackson Stoneworks also offer other stones! – view our collection
Not only do they look beautiful and luxurious, but they’re also incredibly durable and require very little maintenance over the years. Quartz is naturally resistant to scratches and will remain looking like new for decades if properly cared for.
Another benefit of choosing quartz countertops to increase the value of your home is its wide range of color options – you can easily find something that suits your style without compromising on quality or durability.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
Our designers are here to help with your kitchen or bath needs. Let’s get you connected with an expert!
As a sponsor of the event, we at Jackson Stoneworks were proud to be a part of this grand showcase of talent and expertise.
1. Inadequate Circulation Space
Failing to allow enough circulation space can make a kitchen feel cramped and restrict the number of people who can comfortably use the space at the same time. It causes even more issues when your kitchen doubles as a thoroughfare. A lack of space can also make it difficult to open appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher.
Solution: To provide adequate circulation, try to have about 4 feet of space between kitchen countertops. Allow a little more room if there is a thoroughfare leading through the kitchen. In a small kitchen, [39 inches] would be the minimum amount of space between countertops, but aim for more if you can.
2. Not Planning Around the Workflow
A good kitchen workflow is essential. If you don’t have one, your kitchen will be inefficient, and you can end up running backward and forwards between the different parts of your kitchen every time you cook, wash or prep.
Solution: In the planning stages, carefully consider how you use your kitchen. I suggest increasing functionality by including storage for spices and oils near the cooking zone and storing cutlery and dishes near the dishwasher. You’ll find many smart solutions on the market, including wide drawers and tailored inserts that facilitate high-functioning storage.
3. Not Measuring Appliances
Lack of planning when it comes to appliances can lead to excessive protrusion from oversize refrigerators. This can affect the ability to open cabinets and other appliances in your kitchen and reduce circulation space
Not measuring small appliances like microwaves, blenders, and food processors can be an issue too. Without a proper home, they can end up sitting out on the counter and creating clutter.
Solution: Select appliances well in advance, checking the dimensions and the way appliances open to ensure that your kitchen layout can accommodate them in concealed tailored storage. This also applies to pots and pans.
4. Poor Lighting Placement
If you don’t put the right light fixtures over your countertops, you will end up prepping, cooking, and cleaning up in the shadows.
Another common lighting mistake is prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. Pretty pendants are beautiful, but if they don’t shine enough light over your work surfaces, they will not be practical.
Solution: Findlay recommends positioning lighting slightly in front of you rather than directly overhead or behind you. Installing downlights, pendant lights, and sconces on separate circuits makes it easier to control your lighting levels and atmosphere. And don’t forget to choose bulbs that emit sufficient light, so you can see what you’re doing when you’re chopping and cooking.
5. Forgetting About the Function
When planning you’re remodeling, make sure you put your kitchen’s busiest areas — the sink, stove, and fridge — in practical locations that are relevant to one another while allowing enough space for people to use and access them comfortably.
When choosing cabinetry, make sure the doors won’t block your workflow when they’re open. The last thing you want is your fridge and cupboard doors banging into each other every time you open them!
Solution: Plan your kitchen layout as far in advance as possible, and choose your appliances before you start looking at cabinetry. This will allow you to fit your units around your appliances, rather than the other way around, giving you a seamless look that’s both smart and space-efficient.
Tip: Think about how many people live in your home and will be using the kitchen at one time. If it’s going to get crowded, you may have crammed too many elements into the kitchen layout and may want to consider scaling back.
6. Wasted Space on a Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are great for increasing your prep and storage space but will work only if you have the room, Findlay says. If your kitchen is small, an island can be a waste of space.
“Placing an island in the wrong spot is another recipe for disaster. A poorly positioned island can obstruct the flow of traffic to and from the sink, refrigerator, stove, and primary workstations, creating a bottleneck in your kitchen.
Solution: Choose an island only if your kitchen can accommodate it or specify a narrow one. Findlay suggests having about 40 inches on both sides of the island for good traffic flow. Deciding how big or small your island unit should be will depend on what it needs to house and the proportions of your kitchen. I would recommend a minimum width of [about 47 inches] for a kitchen island. But if you don’t plan on installing a sink or a stovetop in it, you could go as narrow as [about 24 inches] in width.
7. Inadequate Space Between the Sink and the Stove
The area between the sink and the stove is the main food preparation area, so although there are no set guidelines, you’ll want a decent expanse of countertop space there.
Solution: When planning your kitchen, make sure the layout meets the practical day-to-day needs of the kitchen user.
8. Poorly Positioned Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Cabinet doors and drawers can end up blocking doorways and walkways when they’re opened.
Solution: Planning is key, Before you commit to a layout, think about how and where all the elements in your kitchen will open, including cupboards, drawers, the fridge, and dishwasher, and how people will move through the space.
9. Not Maximizing Vertical Wall Space
In a small kitchen, every bit of space counts, and your walls offer valuable storage for real estate.
Solution: Taking your cupboards right up to the ceiling will maximize your storage potential in a compact kitchen. If you don’t like the idea of rows of closed-door cupboards, you can always mix it up with open shelving.
Tip: If your wall cabinets are positioned over a cooktop, minimum clearance rules apply. The minimum requirements can vary for electric and gas cooktops and range from 2 to 3 feet.
10. Assuming You Need a New Layout
I’d never automatically dismiss the existing layout of a kitchen. It’s often planned that way for very practical reasons, such as the placement of doors and windows and the most logical traffic flow.
Solution: A tweak to the layout, such as making it an open plan or adding a breakfast bar or an island, may be all that’s needed. This can save money because you won’t have to move electrical and plumbing systems.
If you’re designing a kitchen layout from scratch, address the practical considerations first: How many people will be using the kitchen on a regular basis? Do you do a lot of entertaining? This will help you work out the kitchen’s size and function.
Then consider how the work triangle — cooktop, sink, and fridge — will best fit your layout, she says. Allow enough space between the three points of the triangle, so you’re not walking yards between them every time you use your kitchen.
Tell us: Would you plan your kitchen layout differently next time around? Share your do’s and don’t the Comments.
Porcelain countertops have been gaining popularity among homeowners, home builders, and home remodelers. To produce a rigid, impervious surface, these counters are made by heating a combination of clay, feldspar, and other natural materials to high temperatures. Its contemporary design also makes for an elegant addition to any room. In recent years, porcelain slab worktops have exploded in popularity due to the material’s resilience, adaptability, and beauty. This piece will explore the benefits of using porcelain slab countertops in your home and address some common concerns about their maintenance and upkeep.
If you’re searching for a low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing material for your countertops, porcelain slabs are a great option.
One of the great benefits of porcelain slab countertops is their heat resistance. You can safely put hot pans and pots on them without worrying about damage. However, we recommend using a trivet or a hot pad to protect the surface from scratches or damage. This is particularly vital if the porcelain has a highly polished finish, which makes it more vulnerable to scratches.
Yes, porcelain is an excellent option for countertops. Its durability, low maintenance, and versatility make it an ideal material for busy kitchens. It is also an eco-friendly choice, made from natural and recyclable materials. Whether building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, porcelain slab countertops are a smart investment lasting for years.
While porcelain is an excellent material for countertops, it’s also essential to consider other options. Quartz, granite, and marble are popular choices for kitchen countertops, and each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Quartz is a highly durable and low-maintenance material in various colors and patterns. It is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria growth. However, it can be more expensive than porcelain and may require professional installation. Granite is a natural stone material that is highly durable and heat-resistant. It comes in various colors and patterns, and each slab is unique. However, granite can be more expensive than porcelain and requires periodic sealing to maintain its beauty. Marble is a luxurious and elegant material highly prized for its beauty.
At Jackson Stoneworks, we carry top-of-the-line porcelain from suppliers like Dekton. Our experienced sales team can help you choose the perfect porcelain slab for your kitchen project. You can trust us to deliver the best products at reasonable prices because we value speed in our quote turnaround and customer service.
Jackson Stoneworks is a full-service stone fabricator with extensive experience working with porcelain. Our expert fabricators can cut, shape, and install porcelain slab countertops to fit your unique kitchen design. We use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure that your countertops are perfectly cut and finished. We guarantee that your ceramic countertops will retain their stunning appearance and usefulness for many years, thanks to our meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality.