Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

Updated 9/19/2017 | Original Post: 10/21/2014

Traditional-style kitchens are sophisticated and classic. Traditional design incorporates architectural features from the European Old World countries, Mexico and colonial America. Elegant craftsmanship, embellishments and refined details are important. If you love the look of a traditional home, here are six traditional design elements for kitchens to consider in planning a kitchen remodeling project.

As kitchen design professionals, we like to pause each year to assess the recent trends in the Cincinnati area kitchens we created, and take note of those that look to have some staying power into the next several months. This year, we see a continuation of many of the design trends we've been seeing, as well as a few new trends that reflect the modern sensibilities of today's homeowners. We've selected the top five we expect to continue seeing this year.

Sometimes the best way to appreciate the impact of a remodel is to compare the before and after photos. We enjoy taking a look back at the transformations we've made to kitchens throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Here are five favorites we hope you'll enjoy as well.

Updated for 2017

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, finding the right fit of appliances is of key importance. The space of your kitchen will be the overriding factor. A typical kitchen is about 200-square-feet. In some kitchen remodels, physical barriers such as existing walls may dictate the size of appliances that can be accommodated. In other remodels where barriers aren’t an issue, you may have complete freedom in selecting appliances and adapt your kitchen design to the models you select.

http://info.neals.com/bid/291087/11-Must-Have-Accessories-for-Kitchen-Cabinet-Storage/Original Post 6/27/2014 Updated 1/13/2017

While nothing beats the timelessness of mixing neutrals in your home, the unexpected use of painted cabinetry is a design trend that adds a unique character to your home. In the kitchen, when a cabinet is a different color than the rest of the space, it can highlight a certain feature or element, or can help visually distinguish a work zone. Painted cabinets in particular add the interest of an additional color to the space. This can steer the style in a certain direction, or play up the homeowner's style. In either case, the use of painted cabinets is a hot trend that's worth considering.

The L-shaped kitchen may be the most common kitchen layout in American homes. This layout occurs when the two primary countertops run along adjacent walls to meet in the corner. These two counters also house at least two of the three zones of the working triangle- the sink, the stove, and/or the fridge. Quite often, one of the arms of the L is an exterior wall where the kitchen window is situated. This layout is such a popular solution because it's so effective, both functionally and aesthetically. Below we highlight 3 past Neal's projects that all use the L-shape design.

Orignal Post 12/18/2012 Updated 8/23/2016

The concept of the kitchen island evolved out of a need for a central working counter. In the earliest days of the formal kitchen space, a table fulfilled this role, and over the centuries this basic idea has shaped our concept of what a functional, working kitchen might look like. Today’s kitchen islands are designed to handle a variety of functions, including food prep,  informal dining, entertaining, as a station for cleanup after meals, or even a place for the kids to do their homework. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, there are many options for designing an island that meets your needs.

The mark of a successful kitchen remodel is that it stands the test of time, and doesn't feel dated inside of 15 years. There are many facets to a kitchen's design that contribute to this, but one area that can make or break the kitchen's style longevity is the backsplash. There is a time and place for trendy tile installations, and when installed with long-term appeal in mind, they can still feel on-point a decade later. That isn't for everyone, however, nor every home. Instead, consider these five tile design ideas that can feel contemporary and trendy, but are still classic backsplash solutions.

The newest and best design trends coming in 2016 were recently debuted at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). For over 50 years, KBIS has showcased the latest industry products, trends and technologies. We've picked some of our favorite products from this year's show for you to consider for your kitchen.