Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

Historic home kitchens, even those that were previously remodeled, are typically not made for entertaining and often don't provide much space for the avid home cook to spread out. Usually an afterthought, tucked into a corner and cut off from the main living space, kitchens in older homes can pose unique challenges for remodeling. First, the available space must be evaluated and the structural needs accounted for, then the new kitchen's style must be determined in terms of how or if it will match the home's existing architecture. In a densely populated area like Prospect Hill-OTR, Cincinnati, a home remodel also brings logistical challenges. This kitchen project was no exception, but the planning and effort paid off, resulting in a stunning transformation. 

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Proper illumination is important in a kitchen to enable you to work efficiently and safely when you are cooking, eating or entertaining. Kitchen lighting should be planned by design. To create versatile lighting in the kitchen, it's important to include more than one type of fixture. Different types of lighting allows you to layer light in different configurations depending on your needs. For example, soft warm light from a pendant is great for the morning before coffee, while focused white task lights over the sink are ideal for when it's time to do the dishes. Luckily there are six types of light fixtures that can be mixed and matched in the kitchen to provide plenty of options for all your needs.

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The backsplash brings out the personality of a kitchen. Choosing a backsplash for your kitchen remodel is a great way to show off your style. Backsplash styles and materials range from sweet and simple, to elegant and elaborate to coordinate with your tastes. It can naturally tie a design together or become a stunning focal point. If you need help narrowing down some tile design ideas, or just with finding a place to start, keep reading for backsplash options for your kitchen.

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Like many homes, the kitchen in this Mason house could have been considered trendy and stylish at one time, but with a crowded floor plan and dark cabinets, the appeal of the design was leaving the family feeling cramped. The new kitchen design is, by comparison, a remarkable transformation to a bright, roomy and comfortable-feeling space for the whole family to enjoy.

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