Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

Kitchen islands evolved from the age old wood farm house table.  If you have visited historic homes such as Mount Vernon, Monticello, or the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, you may have toured the simple but organized kitchens that feature a sturdy farm table placed in the center for food prep and with a shelf beneath for storage of cookware, dishes or supplies. Tables were the work center of the kitchen for preparing all meals at a time when people baked their daily bread.

Kitchens are always the spot where people like to gather, especially during the holidays. If you enjoy entertaining, how can you optimize the space in your kitchen to accommodate guests yet be functional for everyday use? Here are nine kitchen design ideas to help make holiday entertaining more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Half baths or “powder rooms” are places in our homes where we can be creative. We often refer to half baths as jewel boxes of a home because these are small spaces where home homeowners may add high end products without incurring huge costs. Since a half bath is often located off the central area of a home, it is also a great space to add a splash of color or to display artwork.

When planning home remodeling projects, homeowners often ask us “How long will it take?” While they are often referring to just the actual construction phase of a project, it’s also important to factor in the time it takes to plan the project. Planning is central to the success of every remodeling project. It’s where ideas are converted into designs and budgets are used to select the best materials for the job.