Great counter to lay your laptop on and work!     Photo: Judith Hoffman

Since COVID has forced everyone to stay home more than usual, today the kitchen has categorically become the epicenter of our living space. COVID has taught the world that interior design is important since we are spending almost all our time in our homes.

Today, we often bring our laptops to the kitchen table and work from there while we prepare endless home meals. The children use the kitchen table not only for eating, but as their own little playground area for playing, drawing, painting, building, and an endless array of other activities. The kitchen is not a sealed off room where guests are not allowed to enter in order not to see the mess. On the contrary, the kitchen is now open and part of the general living space, having evolved and become the principal area for entertainment.

Since the kitchen is a must-have space, (you must eat right?!) and since today the kitchen serves so many varied purposes it is crucial to make your kitchen space beautiful, comfortable, welcoming, and functional. In a nutshell, your kitchen needs to fulfill your needs in the best possible way.

So, what should you consider when remodeling your kitchen? According to interior designer Annette Frommer “When considering a kitchen remodeling, the first thing a person must ask themselves is – what do I want to accomplish? what am I lacking in my current kitchen that I wish to have in my new kitchen?”

In order to answer this, Frommer suggests that you ask yourself the following 10 questions:

1. How many people cook or prepare food simultaneously?
2. How many people are in the household?
3. How often do I cook?
4. How often do I entertain?
5. What other activities take place in the kitchen (children’s homework, arts, and crafts, paying bills, working on your computer?
6. What appliances do I need that I do not have?
7. What do I want but can live without if I have to?
8. How would I design my kitchen if I did not have a budget limit?
9. What is the style of the kitchen I envision?
10. What is my all – inclusive budget?

Modern kitchen that is versatile and beautiful   Photo: Elad Gonen

We can spend a lot of money on a kitchen makeover and can go really upscale with floors, cabinets, counters, and appliances. It is therefore especially important to understand for yourself what is a must for you, and what you are willing to compromise on. A statistic to remember – approximately 30% of the budget will go on cabinetry. The rest will go on floors, faucets and plumbing, counters, lighting and of course design fees.

Cabinetry

Since cabinetry is of the utmost importance the following must be considered:

New cabinets will enable you to set the storage capacity that you need – particularly important. As for finishes, there is a plethora to choose from- paint, stainless steel, wood, Formica and more. There are roll-out trays, magic corner units, soft close glides. The trick is to find the proper balance between style, appearance, and functionality. There is of course an alternative. If you are on a tight budget you can have your old cabinets refaced ; that is just change the outer cabinet doors and the hardware (handles/knobs). Even something small like that can make a big impact on the overall look of the kitchen.

Countertops

Choosing countertops is one of Annette Frommer’s favorite elements to work on, since as she says “Countertops have an immense impact visually on your kitchen. They are the unifying element that ties the kitchen together and there are so many spectacular options to choose from.”

Frommer loves to work with quartz countertops since they are aesthetically stunning. Another favorite are granite countertops. They are strong and come in a vast array of colors and veining. Of course, there are the durable Caesarstone countertops, patterned concrete countertops, wood and butcher block countertops, and now also porcelain countertops. She points out “Each counter possibility comes with advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered when making a choice”.

One emerging countertop material is glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). This material provides excellent flexibility and tensile strength, which can help reduce cracking. Here are the benefits of GFRC countertops: 

• GFRC castings are made thinner and weigh less than ordinary concrete.  
• There’s no need for steel reinforcement. 
• Only a mold surface is needed for one casting side. 
• Mechanical vibration isn’t necessary. 

Are you thinking of installing a GFRC concrete countertop in your do-it-yourself (DIY) kitchen project? If yes, you must learn how to make concrete countertops.

Stylish quartz backlit countertop

Appliances

It is important to accurately measure the space allotted for your appliances when mapping out your kitchen. Appliances come in a wide array of prices and designs and a seasoned interior designer can provide creative solutions when certain limitations arise. For example, when installing a regular hood is not an option a pop-up vent can be especially useful.

When positioning kitchen appliances, you have to remember important points. Aside from the space and appliances, you must consider the frequency of use and activities you do in your kitchen. Moreover, consider the technicalities in kitchen layout planning. For instance, the sink, stove, and refrigerator should have a space of four feet up to nine feet in between for excellent maneuvering and easy food access and preparation.

Lighting

Lighting is often not given the proper attention it deserves. Obviously you have to see what you are cooking but lighting not is not only functional – but lighting can also be decorative in so many ways and really influences the ambience of your kitchen.

So, what lighting types are perfect for a kitchen? When choosing lights for a great kitchen, interior designers follow a general rule. A kitchen should have ambient or general lighting. You can install flush mounts or recessed kitchen ceiling lights. Moreover, pendant lighting is suitable for a breakfast counter or kitchen island.

To Conclude

People invest a lot into kitchen upgrades for many reasons, the main one being that nowadays the kitchen has become the center and soul of most homes. Kitchens today are not only used for cooking, but for living. They are part of today’s lifestyle experience. A kitchen really sets the tone for the entire home, especially when it is an open kitchen as most are nowadays. Thus, kitchens influence our general quality of home life so never underestimate the importance of your choices in all the parameters of a kitchen.

The vast selection can seem overwhelming, but once you narrow down your material choice from a few options, you’re halfway there. Of course, deciding on the right color may cause a few disagreements among the family. Let’s take a look at the major material types available and discuss the benefits of each.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is a very hard material, typically made out of quartz mixed with resin.

• Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface that reduces the risk of germs and bacteria.
• Because of its strength, quartz is low-maintenance and very durable.
• It is easy to clean and does not require any sealing. It is also resistant to stains and scratches.
• These countertops come in a variety of colors and can create unique and beautiful surfaces.

Ceramic Tile 

Ceramic tile is made from clay that is fired at high temps and then glazed. The tile used for countertops must be floor-grade tile, rather than wall tile so that it doesn’t crack.

• Ceramic tiles can be customized to fit counter areas of many different sizes and shapes.
• They are stain and heat resistant.
• Individual damaged tiles can be replaced easily without requiring the whole surface to be replaced.
• A disadvantage of ceramic tile is that the surface is uneven and the tile requires regular resealing of the grout, which can be time consuming.

Natural Stone

Natural stone countertops are made from many different types of quarried stone.  Colonial Marble offers such materials as granite, marble, limestone and soapstone.

• Granite – These natural countertops are cut from a large slab and have a unique and beautiful look. They are easy to clean and hold up well in a much-used kitchen. The surface is smooth and resistant to stains when a sealant is applied once a year. Granite countertops are hard to damage and will last for many years.
• Marble – If you are looking for a luxurious countertop, marble is the way to go. It is softer than granite but if you apply a sealant every year it will help to resist scratches and stains. It is also resistant to heat.
• Limestone – This stone has a smooth surface which is softer than both granite and marble. It has an elegant and timeless look. The porous surface can get stained and scratched easily, but annual sealant applications will make it much more resistant to damage. Gentle, non-abrasive cleaners must also be used.
• Soapstone – This natural material has a lot of warmth and is used frequently in country kitchens. It isn’t as hard as granite, but it is non-porous, resistant to scratches and stains, and cleans easily.

Solid Surfaces

Solid-surface countertops are made of either polyester or dense acrylic material. They don’t require much maintenance and they are non-porous, but they can scratch easily and are not resistant to heat. They come in a variety of patterns and colors.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate countertops are the most affordable option, but they can scratch and chip easily and they are not resistant to heat.

Wood

Wood countertops are made of dense hardwood, such as maple, cherry or oak, and they are available in different grain styles. They are warm-looking and heat-resistant and they are an ideal working surface for cutting and preparing food. Wood surfaces do require some maintenance and they can also show knife marks. Whichever material you choose, make sure to have a professional measure and install your new kitchen countertops so that they will last for many years.

Photo: Kathy Ann Abell Interiors

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. This is because most families gather there and some of the most important decisions are made at the kitchen countertops. If the room is this important it is essential that you don’t overlook creating the right environment. You don’t need to replace the entire kitchen although there are certainly some excellent commercial joinery firms he can help you create the bespoke kitchen of your dreams.

All you actually need to do to create the perfect kitchen is replace the doors and countertops. But how do you install new countertops? You may be surprised by how easy it is.

What You Need

• Your new worktop or tops.
• A belt sander
• A scribing tool
• Tape measure
• Screwdriver
• Jigsaw
• Masking tape

Step 1 – Get the countertops

You need to measure the countertop area and then purchase either custom made countertops or the pre-cut and formed ones. Make sure you have enough to cover all the kitchen cupboards; allowing for corners.

Photo: Paper Moon Painting

Step 2 – Fill the gap

If you look at the bottom of the new countertop you may find that they have a recessed area. You’ll need to cut some wood to fit into the gap and make it all level. This won’t be seen so doesn’t need to be a perfect cut.

Step 3 – Prepare the top

You need to measure accurately from the wall to ¾ inch in front of the kitchen cupboards. This is unlikely to be the same width for your entire kitchen. This is important to ensure your countertops fit snugly against the wall and overhang the cupboards properly.Once you’ve measure create the countertop template on paper or card. You can check this fits snugly. Now you have to put it on your countertop and mark the cut line.

Step 4 – Cut the countertop

Before you start cutting run some masking tape across the cut line on the finished side. This will help to stop it cracking as you cut. You can cut the counter top with a handsaw, jigsaw or any other power saw you’re comfortable with. Take your time with this step.

Photo: Pickell Architecture

Step 5 – Check It

Put the countertop in place to make sure it fits correctly. A small gap is not an issue as this can be covered with the backsplash you’ll add after the countertop.

Step 6 – Allow For Corners

The most difficult part is making the miter cut for the corners. This is something you may need professional help with. The alternative is to use the preformed edges and joining strips.

Step 7 – Sink And Stove

You’ll need to cut these holes into your countertops before you finish installing them. It is easiest to put the worktop in position and then place the sink on top of it. You can then mark the position and use the sink template, a drill and your jigsaw to cut the required hole. You only get one chance at this!

Step 8 – Finish

With everything ready you can slide the countertop in place and then tighten the miter bolts for the corners. You can then screw through the top of the base units and into the countertop from underneath. This will ensure it does not move. Now admire your handiwork!