Custom Frame Crafters For Kitchens And More

Sound advice from our years of experience as a custom kitchen builder

Category: kitchen counters

Four Kitchen Island Tips

When it comes the time to remodel their home, most homeowners want a kitchen island. Ninety-nine percent of the time that is what is requested by a homeowner regardless of the amount of space they do or do not have. If, however an island is not properly designed and installed there will be more problems than benefits associated with it. Don’t be like one of them.

Do you want to be stuck with an island just because your neighbour has one? Make sure it is one that serves you well, as well as doing you proud.

Here are four tips on how to properly design a kitchen island:

1. Perfect Aisles

Many times islands are tightly squeezed into a small kitchen or they are way too small for a large kitchen. You want to keep in mind the way the space will be used after being installed. Forty-two inches between cabinets is ideal, the minimum should be at least thirty-six inches. You want to make sure that there is enough, but not too much space, as you don’t want to have to walk half a block between island and counters.

2. Be Creative with Shapes and Finishes

Modern kitchen with black island and wooden floor

Be creative, make a design statement with your space. Not every island has to be square or rectangle, think out of the box! You can also choose alternative materials for the counter tops especially if your kitchen is big. Make something different, creative yet tasteful.

3. Remember Seating

When designing an island, a common mistake is not considering if the homeowners would want the option of seating around the island. Make sure that there is enough space around the island to accommodate some chic chairs or stools without making the space look bulky or crowded.

4. Think Out the Layout Intelligently

Keep in mind that an island design should be one designed for people to use. If an island is designed without an oven, a sink, a cook top or stools the why would anyone even be motivated to cook there? If there is no need to use the island, then why is it even there? Make sure you are smart with the layout and design.

 

These four basic yet important tips and pointers can really help you design and install a killer kitchen island. Make sure that everything is measured properly and that space and functionality are taken into consideration. Be bold and creative and don’t create something

Interior, modern kitchen of a luxury home

that is typical and mundane. It is a great idea to chat with other homeowners and see how they have designed and made use their island, adapt their vision in creative way and you will have a kitchen island other will be jealous of. looking for other kitchen ideas like painting your cabinet doors see here.

Quartzite Vs Granite countertop

 Quartzite Vs Granite. which one is best?

When shopping around for kitchen countertops and you are looking for something that bit classier then the standard laminate worktops. You’ve most likely come across two types of materials over and over: Quartzite and Granite. Quartzite in particular has always hailed as a good alternative to granite. It’s important to take time to properly research them and never just take any of the claims at face value.

In order to help you make a decision between the two, comparing them directly is the only way to go. When it comes to quartzite vs granite for kitchen countertops, which is really the best?

Quartzite which is has generally been more expensive than granite, is a metamorphic type of rock that comes from sandstone. Factors such as heat and the air pressure in the area factor into the transition. It’s very similar to marble in that way, which is of course another very common material for countertops.

Granite however is quite different. It is actually an igneous rock. That means it has crystalized from what was initially a molten state. It is always naturally occurring and each piece is completely unique given its mineral composition. Quartzite on the other hand tends to have other materials combined with it in offer a more uniform look from unit to unit. If you want something that’s a little less “assembly line” in nature, granite may be the way to go.

Quartzite  is quite low maintenance when you compare it to granite. You won’t really need to seal your quartzite countertop as you would with other surfaces. The material doesn’t stain very easily either. It’s also very strong, having the ability to even cause cuts in glass. Since the composition is generally made up of smaller chips of quartz and other materials rather than one giant slab, many have also hailed quartzite as an environmentally friendly option.

The impurities in quartzite also lead to intricate patterns that many consumers have been quite taken with. Granite is beautiful for sure, but the patterns aren’t quite as adventurous looking. When it comes to aesthetics, a kitchen meant to be a little more traditional and laid back might be best served by granite, whereas those looking to expand into something a little more “out there” will be thrilled with the look of quartzite. They will both look great on a island too.

 

In the end, both are fine materials. Granite is purer, but quartzite is a little easier to take care of and may be easier to match your cabinets. Your budget and personal taste is really all that matters in the ultimate decision. No matter which way you go, you will surely be served for a long time to come with your gorgeous new countertop.

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