Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

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.

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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.

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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.

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Original 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.

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