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vikash kumar

Kitchen Island Selection Variables: Openness, Function, Matching

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In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the key initial variables to be considering when choosing a new kitchen island. Islands come in a huge variety of options and styles, and knowing what you have available to you and which factors you should be thinking about is often very valuable. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re here to offer a wide range of kitchen remodeling services, and islands are a common part of our projects. Here are some of the other key factors that tend to play a major role in island selection.

kitchen island selection variables

Open or Closed Island?

When we talk about open and closed islands, we’re referring to the structure of the island itself. An open island is one that has shelves or cabinets on either side and may have an additional countertop space in the middle. A closed island is exactly as it sounds – completely enclosed with no shelves or cabinets exposed.

Depending on your desired layout, you should consider what type of island would best suit your kitchen’s needs. Open islands tend to provide more storage space, while closed islands often have a cleaner, more minimalist look.

Function of the Kitchen

As you’re selecting your kitchen island, it’s important to consider its intended purpose. Do you want it to be simply a place for extra counter space and storage? Or do you plan on using the island as an informal dining area or food preparation area?

These factors will impact how large your kitchen island should be and what type of materials you should choose. If you’re looking for an island that can double as a dining area, you’ll want to make sure it has seating and is big enough to accommodate people comfortably. On the other hand, an informal food preparation area will require more counter space and may need specialized storage areas for utensils or ingredients.

Matching Other Home Design Areas – Or Contrasting?

Another key factor to consider is how the island will fit in with the other design elements of your kitchen. Many homeowners opt for islands that are similar or match their existing countertops, cabinets and flooring. This can help create a cohesive look and feel throughout the kitchen space. However, if you’re looking for something that stands out as a focal point, it’s also possible to choose a kitchen island that contrasts with other design elements.

These are just a few of the factors to consider when selecting your new kitchen island. For more information, contact Ideal Kitchen & Bath today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find the perfect island for your home. From design consultation to final installation, we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams!

Kitchen Island Selection Variables: Size, Material, Shape

By | Kitchens | No Comments

There are a few different features you may be considering for an upcoming kitchen remodel, and one of these that’s been a relative constant in the kitchen design world for decades is the island. Many homeowners love the idea of a kitchen island that can serve multiple purposes – and if you’ve decided to go this route, you have numerous options at your disposal. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to assist with many different elements of kitchen remodeling, including measuring, planning and building custom kitchen cabinets and other quality items. What are some key areas to consider while looking to select the optimal island design and features for your kitchen remodel? This two-part blog series will go over all the important facets to cover.

kitchen island selection variables

Island Size

As you may have guessed, one of the single most important factors of any kitchen island is its size. It needs to be big enough to accommodate all the features you want it to provide, but it also can’t be so large that it takes up too much space and makes your kitchen feel cramped.

One key variable to think about here is the distance between the island and other countertop spaces. In most cases, you want this gap to be between three and four feet for optimum usage. Additionally, it’s beneficial to leave at least two feet of clearance around all sides of the island – allowing for ample space to move and work from all angles.

Island Material

There are also multiple material types to choose from when it comes to your kitchen island. A common material used in modern kitchen islands is wood, as this creates a very natural and inviting feel for the space. Other popular materials include stainless steel, quartz or granite. In addition to looking great and being durable, these materials are also easier to maintain than other options.

Shape Desires

You should also be closely considering the shape of your island. If you have a smaller kitchen, it’s usually best to opt for an L-shaped island as this provides ample room to work on either side. If space is not a problem, then you can select from any number of shapes – such as square islands or even ones with curved edges or other artistic touches.

Some modern homeowners even look into unique, customized shapes that allow for more efficient usage – such as having rounded edges in the corners to provide additional space. No matter what shape you decide to go with, make sure it matches the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and works well with all the other features present.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some additional areas to keep in mind as you source the optimal island for your kitchen remodel. For more on this, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services, speak to our team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

Improving Orem Kitchen Safety Via Remodel: Floors, Electric

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In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the ways that homeowners will often use a kitchen remodel as a great way of improving their kitchen’s safety, among other themes. From removing hazards that might be present to improving walking paths and more, there are several ways you can go about this — including those that also improve aesthetics, fixtures and others you are prioritizing in your remodel. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of kitchen remodeling services for clients throughout Ogden, including for those who want to include safety improvements as part of their project. Here are some other remodeling elements or types that you might think about if safety is a top priority in your kitchen.

improving kitchen safety remodel

Quality, Slip-Resistant Flooring

Another priority for many homeowners who are looking to improve the safety of their kitchen is ensuring that they have a quality, slip-resistant flooring. While linoleum and some other materials can greatly lower your chances of slipping and falling while in your kitchen, there are also several more modern options available on the market nowadays.

For example, you might think about using ceramic tile, which is much more slip-resistant than many other types of flooring. This can also help to boost your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal in addition to providing important safety and comfort benefits.

In addition to changing up your tile or hard flooring types, you might also consider adding a rug or an area rug in key areas of your kitchen in order to improve safety even more. When you have a good mat or rug that is properly installed and maintained — meaning it’s kept clean and free from damage as much as possible, for example — you can help reduce the likelihood that you’ll slip on your hard flooring materials.

Plugs and Electrical Appliances

It’s also important to ensure that you have adequate outlets and other electrical appliances in your kitchen, especially if you’re planning to bring in new or different appliances as part of your remodel. When remodeling, think about the kinds of things that you’ll need to plug in (such as microwaves and electric cooktops) or run electricity to (fans, lighting, etc.).

As you’re planning out this remodeling project, take some time to think about the layout of your kitchen. Will you have enough outlets in strategic spots? Do you need more outlets installed or added? If so, can electricians be brought in as part of the project to make sure that everything is done right and up to code?

As you can see, there are several ways that you can improve the safety of your kitchen as part of a comprehensive remodeling project. Whether it’s by reducing slipping and falling hazards or simply making sure you have enough outlets to plug in any appliances, it’s important to keep this priority in mind when planning out your kitchen remodel.

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re proud to offer a variety of kitchen remodeling services to clients throughout Orem and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment with our team!

Improving Kitchen Safety via Remodel: Stoves, Cooktops, Lighting

By | Kitchens, Tips | No Comments

There are a number of reasons why you might be thinking about remodeling your kitchen, from updating older appliances to changing your style and several others. One that is often considered here as well, either on its own or in coordination with your other desires for a kitchen remodel: Making the kitchen safer and removing hazards that may be present. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we offer a multitude of kitchen remodeling services for all our clients, including those who have this sort of concept in mind for their remodel. In this two-part blog series, we’ll look at some of the key kitchen areas where you may be looking to improve safety or remove hazards, plus what can be done to further your efforts here.

improving kitchen safety remodel

Stoves and Cooktops

As you may have guessed, one of the most common places where homeowners seek to improve safety in their kitchen is around the stove and cooktop area. This is understandable, as it’s also one of the main places where accidents can happen in the kitchen if proper precautions aren’t taken.

There are a few key ways you can make your stove or cooktop safer as part of a kitchen remodel, starting with the type of stove or cooktop you choose. If you’re looking for an upgrade here, consider models that come with automatic shutoff features if they’re tipped over or left on for too long. You can also look into models that have front-facing controls rather than ones located on the backsplash area behind them, as this can help prevent accidental burns.

In terms of the area around your stove or cooktop, one key safety addition you can make here is installing a backsplash guard. These come in several different forms, but they all work to protect your walls from splatters and spills while cooking, thus reducing the risk of fire hazards. You can also look into installing range hoods or other ventilation systems to help remove smoke and fumes from the cooking area.

Lighting Features

Another key safety consideration for any kitchen remodel is the lighting. In many kitchens, the lighting is either insufficient or placed in such a way that it creates shadows and makes it difficult to see what you’re doing while cooking. This can obviously lead to accidents, so improving the lighting in your kitchen is a great way to help make it safer.

There are a few different ways you can go about this, but one option is to install additional lighting fixtures in the kitchen. This could mean anything from installing new overhead lights to placing task lighting above the stove or sink area. You can also look into upgrading the bulbs you’re using to brighter, more efficient models – LED bulbs are a great option here.

For more on how to make your kitchen safer as part of a kitchen remodel, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services, speak to the experts at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.