Tips

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the most common sink options that might be considered by those who are remodeling their kitchen and including the sink in this process. There are several robust options available here depending on your needs and budget, and knowing some basics on each of them will help you make the right decision. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to help with a huge range of kitchen remodeling needs, including all your sink considerations. Here are a few of the other major options you might be thinking about in this area.

Corner Sinks

For those who are looking for an extended countertop space and have a smaller kitchen, a corner sink is an excellent option to consider. These are usually installed in the corner of two countertop spaces, making for more room on the rest of the counter. Because of this, it’s important that you have enough space leftover in your kitchen to make this work – otherwise you’ll be left feeling cramped.

Another potential issue with corner sinks is that they can be difficult to clean properly. All the nooks and crannies of a corner sink can make it tough to reach everything with a sponge or other cleaning tool. This means you might have to put in a little extra elbow grease to keep your sink shining. However, if you’re prepared for this issue, a corner sink can be a great option in the right kitchen.

Farmhouse Sinks

For those who love the classic look of a farmhouse sink, there are plenty of options available on the market today. Farmhouse sinks – also known as Apron sinks – are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes as they provide a great deal of function and style. These sinks are usually much deeper than your standard sink, which can be helpful if you do a lot of cooking or entertaining at home.

Most farmhouse sinks are made from either porcelain or fireclay, both of which are very sturdy and will last for years with proper care. One downside to these materials is that they can be very heavy, so you’ll need to make sure your cabinets are able to support the weight. In addition, farmhouse sinks usually require more installation work than a standard sink as they’re not always drop-in ready. However, the extra effort is often worth it for the unique look and feel that these sinks provide.

Island Sink

Finally, if your kitchen already has an island or you’re installing one as part of the same remodel, you might want to consider an island sink. These are usually installed in the center of the island, providing a great deal of function and style. Island sinks can be very helpful if you do a lot of cooking or entertaining as they provide an extra area for prep work or cleanup. However, they can also be difficult to clean properly as there’s often not a lot of counter space around the sink. This means you might have to put in a little extra effort to keep your island clean.

If you’re considering an island sink, it’s important to make sure you have enough space in your kitchen. These sinks can be very large and take up a lot of space, so you’ll need to be sure you have enough room.

For more on choosing the ideal sink for your kitchen remodel, or to learn about any of our kitchen, bathroom or other remodeling solutions, speak to our team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

There are several components you may be considering upgrading during a kitchen remodel, and one of the most common is the sink being utilized. If this is the case for your remodel, you have several different sink types available to you — what are they, and which will be the right choice for your needs? 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to help with a wide range of kitchen remodels for Orem clients, including every fixture you might be considering an upgrade for during this process. What are the varying sink options you can choose from if you’re including this item in your efforts? This two-part blog series will go over this and some similar themes.

Top Mount Sinks

Likely the most common option utilized in today’s kitchens is the top mount sink, which as the name suggests is installed from above the countertop. These are ideal for a wide range of countertop materials, including laminate and solid surface, as there’s no need to make any special accommodations for them during installation.

There are a few downsides associated with top mount sinks in comparison to other options on the market, however. First, because they’re installed from above, it can be difficult to achieve a tight seal around the perimeter — this increases the likelihood of leaks. Second, because they sit on top of the countertop, they can be more susceptible to damage if something is dropped on them.

However, these risks can typically be mitigated by working with a experienced kitchen remodeling contractor who has experience installing this type of sink — at Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’ve installed countless top mount sinks and can help ensure a perfect fit and finish.

Undermount Sinks

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern look for your kitchen sink, an undermount sink is likely the best option. These are installed from below the countertop, which creates a clean, finished look and also helps to prevent any leaks that might occur.

In addition, because undermount sinks are installed from below the countertop, they’re less susceptible to damage if something is dropped on them — however, this type of sink is typically only an option for certain types of countertops, such as stone or solid surface.

Drop-In Sinks

Another popular type of sink is the drop-in sink, which as the name suggests is designed to drop into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. These are typically easier to install than undermount sinks, making them a good option for do-it-yourselfers or those working with a tight budget.

However, drop-in sinks have a few downsides in comparison to other options. First, because they sit on top of the countertop, they can be more susceptible to damage if something is dropped on them. Second, the lip around the perimeter of the sink can make it difficult to achieve a tight seal, which increases the likelihood of leaks.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some further options here. For more on this, or to learn about any of our bathroom or kitchen remodeling services in Orem or nearby areas, speak to the team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on why custom cabinets are the way to go if you’re remodeling your kitchen. From the quality control you get to your ability to fully personalize the entire setup and more, there are a number of reasons why this is likely the route you should be going for any new cabinet need. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re here to help with a huge range of kitchen remodeling services for our clients, assisting them with creating the space of their dreams. Here are some more reasons why you should be looking at custom cabinets if cabinets are any part of your remodeling process.

Complementing Other Furniture

Kitchen cabinets are rarely considered alone — rather, they’re a fundamental part of how your entire kitchen looks, feels and functions. If you’re going for a certain style or theme in your kitchen (and chances are good that you are), then working with custom cabinets is likely the best way to achieve this goal.

With many other furniture pieces, you can more or less find what you need “off the shelf.” But cabinets are a bit different, as they need to be the right size, shape and style to fit in with everything else. If you’re set on a specific look for your kitchen, then going custom is probably your best bet.

Great Aesthetics

Cabinets serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in any kitchen. Most people naturally focus on the former, but the latter is important as well. After all, you likely spend a fair amount of time in your kitchen — why not make sure it looks great?

Custom cabinets give you much more control over the finished aesthetics of your kitchen. From the materials used to the specific design features, everything can be customized to your liking. This lets you create a kitchen that not only functions well but also looks great, which is the ideal combination.

Better Functionality

While cabinets are primarily aesthetic, they also need to function well. Here again, custom cabinets give you a lot more control in terms of functionality. You can have features added that make everyday tasks easier, such as special compartments or storage features.

You can also optimize the layout of your cabinets to suit your needs. If you have a lot of cookware or other items, you can ensure that they all fit comfortably and have a place. This level of functionality is tough to achieve with premade cabinets.

As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to go with custom cabinets for your kitchen remodeling needs. If you’re looking for more information or assistance with this process, be sure to contact Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

There are several areas you might be considering as you remodel your kitchen, and one of these is the cabinets being used. If you’re thinking about upgrading or even entirely remodeling your cabinet setup, there’s no better approach than utilizing custom cabinets from the top professionals in the business. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to help. We offer a wide range of kitchen and bathroom cabinet products, including custom cabinets that we build to your exact specifications. What are some of the reasons custom cabinets are incredibly popular and useful for those in this position? Here are several to keep in mind in this two-part blog series.

Customizable to the Full Extent

While semi-custom and even stock cabinets do offer certain degrees of customization, they’re ultimately limited in what they can do. If you have specific ideas for how your kitchen should look or if you want to take full advantage of the space available, then custom cabinets are going to be the better option.

There’s virtually nothing you can’t do with custom cabinets. You’ll be able to select the materials, colors, door styles, storage options, and more to create a finished product that looks and functions exactly as you need it to.

Better Quality Control

Another big advantage of choosing custom cabinets is that you’ll be able to enjoy better quality control throughout the entire process. With stock and semi-custom cabinets, you’re limited to whatever the factory produces. But when you go with a custom cabinetmaker, they’ll be able to source materials from wherever you want and build each individual component to your precise standards.

This attention to detail ensures that your cabinets will stand the test of time and look great for many years to come.

Ideal for Unique Spaces

If you have a kitchen with an odd layout or unusual dimensions, then custom cabinets are really your only option if you want everything to fit and function properly. A professional cabinetmaker will be able to take your unique space into account and create a design that makes the most of it.

For instance, if you have a narrow kitchen with limited counter space, they can incorporate more storage into the design to make up for it. Or if you want to include features like built-in wine racks or spice drawers, custom cabinets are really the only way to go.

Avoiding Spatial Errors

One of the most common problems people run into when they try to install stock or semi-custom cabinets on their own is that they often make spatial errors. If the cabinets aren’t installed properly, it can throw off the entire layout of your kitchen and make it difficult to use effectively.

But when you work with a professional cabinetmaker, they’ll be able to take precise measurements for this process. This will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the long run.

For more on why custom cabinets are ideal for many kitchen cabinet remodeling needs, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services, speak to our team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the possible benefits of utilizing a kitchen island as part of your kitchen remodel. Islands have become much more popular in modern kitchens over the last couple decades, with many possible upsides — but at the same time, they aren’t necessarily for everyone or every kitchen space. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re here to help our Orem clients with a huge range of kitchen remodeling needs, with several different styles or approaches used depending on your preferences. While part one of our series went over the pros of kitchen islands, today’s part two will focus on some of the reasons why certain folks involved in kitchen remodels may actually want to avoid them and go in a different direction.

Possible Space Restrictions

If you’re working in a tighter space to begin with, a kitchen island may add unnecessary complications, or simply not be possible at all. Whether it’s due to limited floor space or a reduced amount of counter space that you have available already, an island can easily eat up valuable real estate in your kitchen and limit the amount of flexibility that you have. If you’ve got a big enough space, an island can be a great asset — but if you’re working with more restrictive limitations, it may not make sense in your particular situation.

More Complexity

A kitchen island also introduces more complexity into the equation than some other remodeling options. In addition to having to work around an island that may be in place or needs construction, you’ve also got to think about potential electrical or plumbing needs, which can add a significant amount of time and expense to the process.

Increased Maintenance

Due to their additional complexity and the fact that they tend to see more traffic than other areas of the kitchen, kitchen islands can also be more difficult to keep clean and in good condition. You may need to put in more work to keep an island looking its best, and if something does go wrong, it can be more expensive or difficult to fix than with other areas of the kitchen.

Possible Cost Issues

In other cases, cost may be the primary concern when it comes to whether or not a kitchen island makes sense. Not only is the initial construction generally more expensive than other types of remodeling, but you also need to factor in potential costs for things like plumbing and electrical work that may be necessary. If you’re working with a limited budget, an island may simply not be right for you at this time.

All that being said, a kitchen island is still a great option for many homeowners, and can provide significant benefits as part of a remodel. If you’re looking for professional help making this decision, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services for Orem clients, speak to the pros at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.

There are numerous themes or additions you might be considering for an upcoming kitchen remodel, and one of these for some homeowners is the kitchen island. Islands have grown significantly in popularity over the last couple decades, and they’re often ideal for many new kitchen spaces — at the same time, this isn’t always the case, and there are plenty of kitchens, even modern ones, that don’t involve an island of any kind. 

At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to offer the very best kitchen remodeling services around, covering everything from cabinet building and installation through design themes and more. Should an island be part of your remodel? This two-part blog will investigate both sides of this question — today’s part one will look at the typical benefits many homeowners see from installing a kitchen island, while part two will look at some of the possible downsides or reasons why you might go in another direction.

Increased Counter and Cooking Space

One of the single top reasons for installing a kitchen island is the added counter and cooking space it provides. Islands often come with anywhere from two to four times the countertop space of a standard kitchen countertop, and this can be a lifesaver if your current layout is tight or cramped.

This space can also be used for food preparation, baking, or just as an extra work area in general, which can be a real boon if your family likes to cook as a group. In addition, the extra space can make it much easier to move around in the kitchen, especially if you have a lot of people in there at once.

Additional Storage Space

Along with the extra countertop space, most kitchen islands also come with additional storage space in the form of cabinets, drawers, and shelves. This can be a real godsend if your current kitchen is lacking in storage options, as it can give you a place to put everything from pots and pans to Tupperware and spices.

The additional storage space can also come in handy if you like to entertain or if you’re the type of person who likes to cook a lot of food at once. Having all of your ingredients and cooking tools close at hand can make the cooking process a lot easier and more efficient, which is always a good thing.

Seating and Eating Options

On top of all that, many kitchen islands also come with built-in seating and eating options. This can be a great way to add some extra functionality to your kitchen and to make it more versatile, as the island can then be used for everything from dining to homework to crafts.

In addition, the eating space can often be put to use in different ways depending on what you need. For example, if you’re having a large dinner party, the island can easily be turned into an extension of your dining room. Or, if you have kids, the eating space can be used as a homework station or a place for them to eat their meals.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over the possible downsides of islands and why some people decide against including them in their kitchen remodel. For more on this, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services, speak to the team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.