How to Brighten Up Your Custom Kitchen Design With Effective Lighting

kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners want to customize their space to fit their needs perfectly. The addition of built-in appliances and cabinetry can really streamline your kitchen space, but one of the most important aspects of custom kitchen design that many people overlook is light; natural light from windows, custom lighting fixtures, and under-cabinet lights can be used to brighten up your kitchen.

Going Green With LED lighting

LEDs are the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly light bulbs on the market. They last 25 times longer than standard bulbs, use 20% of the energy needed for other types of lighting, and produce a softer, natural light in kitchens.

The Importance of Softness

Private spaces are perfect for post-pandemic times.

Decorating for softness has become a popular trend in recent years, largely because it’s an easy way to create your own personal sanctuary from the chaos outside. The colors typically associated with a softer vibe are pale blues, greens, grays and browns. Accents of white and silver can also help make a space feel more calming. A few simple tricks will let you achieve that relaxed sense in any room of your home

Utilizing Natural Light

If you’re lucky enough to have lots of natural light, make the most of it! Even without natural light, windows can help by acting as a pass-through for daylight. Blinds are an effective way to control this daylight so it isn’t too bright or too dark during the day.

Avoiding Overhead Lighting

Overhead kitchen lighting can make the space feel cluttered, dreary and unsafe. The key is to make sure that you are using fixtures that allow for good functionality and give off a natural light. For example, recessed downlights with a frosted dome help your kitchen feel more open and approachable. Not only will this give the illusion of more space in your space, but it will also cast a pleasant glow throughout the room.

When You Need Additional Countertop Lighting

In order to achieve a light-filled atmosphere, we recommend adding some uplight fixtures that would shine a glow up onto the ceiling or towards the skylights. These fixtures can be installed on a track so that they can be moved or angled in any direction. They also offer diffusers for softer light as well as downlighting for tasks such as food preparation.

Check out our gallery or stop by our showroom to get all the kitchen design ideas of your dreams!

3 Reasons to Consider Natural Stone Countertops for Your Colorado Kitchen

Natural stone countertops are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. The natural beauty and durability of natural stone make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops in Colorado homes, from rustic kitchens with farmhouse sinks to sleek modern kitchens with clean lines and cutting-edge appliances. Here are three reasons why you might want to consider incorporating natural stone into your kitchen design

Marble

Cleaning granite countertops
The natural beauty and durability of natural stone make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops.

Marble countertops are so versatile, attractive, and easy to maintain that there is no other option when it comes to a kitchen. Here are three reasons why you should consider marble in your own kitchen: 

  • Marble countertops are very resistant to stains and scratches. Marble countertops have a long lifespan, and this is mainly due to the fact that marble does not scratch or stain easily. 
  • Durable and heat-resistant: even at its thinnest state of 2 mm, marble can withstand temperatures up to 180°C. 
  • Marble has become more affordable over the years as well because of how popular it has become among homeowners who want their kitchens to be durable and fashionable.

Granite

If you’re looking for a countertop that is both practical and beautiful, granite should be at the top of your list. One of the key benefits of granite countertops is durability. Granite countertops are so durable that they can withstand things like boiling water, saucepans, and knives without being scratched or damaged. Plus, with its natural beauty, granite will never go out of style. In addition to its durability, granite offers an attractive appearance that is sure to add value to any kitchen. And because it’s such a popular choice among homeowners, it’s easier than ever before to find a wide range of colors in all shapes and sizes, making it possible for every homeowner to get exactly what they want in their kitchen renovation project.

Soapstone

Marble counters are elegant, but the texture is likely not the best option if you have kids or pets. Granite, while durable and beautiful, has a tendency to be too hard on knives, even those with protective rubberized grips. This is why so many people in Denver turn to soapstone for their stone countertops in Colorado. A material that’s much softer than granite but offers comparable elegance and beauty, soapstone can bring something different into your kitchen without being difficult on your knives or countertop space. If you’re curious about how soapstone compares to other natural stone options, contact us at The Kitchen Showcase today. We can help you pick the best countertop option for your kitchen!

Kitchen Cabinet Storage and Organization Inspiration

Just because you’re in the process of redoing your kitchen doesn’t mean that your kitchen needs to go unused and unorganized. While it’s easy to get caught up in the design of the space and forget about the practicalities of everyday life, such as kitchen storage and organization—there are ways to use your new kitchen cabinets to your advantage for efficient kitchen cabinet storage.

But organizing your cabinets can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to deal with your own stuff, but also all of the stuff that others have accumulated in their cabinets. It’s easy to let things go, simply because they’re there. But then, when you organize them, they don’t look like you thought they would, and they don’t fit like they should. (So you end up throwing stuff away, which is worse than letting it go.)

Look around. You probably have so much stuff in your cabinets that there’s no room for food and dishes anymore, and your kitchen is more like a catch-all than a place where you prepare meals and eat together as a family—let alone entertain guests.

Clearing Out Your Current Kitchen Cabinet Storage

Get inspired by amazing cabinet and organization ideas.

The organization of your cabinets can be improved with just a few small changes. Purchasing new storage inserts such as lazy Susans and pullout shelves can make a huge difference in how well your cabinets function, but you will also need to take steps to declutter and organize the contents of your cabinets. Here are some ideas for pulling it all together:

Clear out your cabinets completely. Do this often. Remove items that haven’t been used within six months or that have expired. Toss or donate anything that is broken, unusable or unsanitary. Next, think about how your cabinets are currently being utilized. If cabinet space is being wasted by opening it up all the way to see what you have stored inside, perhaps try an insert to stop the door from falling open so far. 

For more assistance with kitchen cabinet storage ideas, contact our professionals at The Kitchen Showcase.

Kitchen and Bath Remodel Inspiration

Custom kitchen cabinets

Every home will have its own unique style, but it’s important to be able to create a cohesive look throughout the house. Even if you have a personal style, though, it can get tricky when you have many rooms to decorate. For instance, you may have the kitchen to think of next. This area of your home will likely get the most attention from guests and family, so it’s important that you have a nice kitchen that reflects your style. One of the best ways to do that is with interior design. Interior design focuses on making a room feel more comfortable, and with a kitchen remodel, you can give your kitchen a very personal touch by accenting it with the type of things that you love.

You can use your kitchen to show off all of your favorite things, and that’s a great way to keep the space feeling inviting and more like “you.”

Kitchen and Bath Remodel Inspiration For Your Home 

Make your home more liveable by adding in useable design pieces.

Finding inspiration can start by looking at your favorite things. Are you obsessed with owls? Do you love the look of hardwood floors? Is “Star Wars” more than just a movie to you? If so, make sure that those are some of the focal points in your kitchen. Maybe have an owl cookie jar next to your coffee maker.

Online platforms are a great source of kitchen and bath remodel inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration, as are popular home decorating blogs. Just remember that it’s important to have an idea in mind before you start gathering images for your “inspiration board.” You may find that the style or look you love simply won’t mesh with the kind of kitchen or bath you have now.

Kitchen and bath remodel inspiration is everywhere, so don’t limit yourself to the internet. Magazines and restaurants are also great resources for kitchen and bath remodel inspiration.

The Best Remodel Professionals

Get help from a professional designer if you find that your idea of what your dream kitchen looks like is completely different than what you currently have in place or if you can’t seem to settle on just one style.

The Hardest Part of a Kitchen Remodel Project

One of the hardest parts of a kitchen remodel project is making sure all the cabinets are in the right place, so they blend in with the existing woodwork. This is especially important when you are doing a whole kitchen revamp, so it is vital to keep your installation plan organized. No matter what type of kitchen cabinets you are installing, you need to plan ahead. Doing this properly will save you a lot of time and effort, and can help you avoid some common mistakes.

Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Traditional remodel in Denver by John Rausch of TKS
Avoid classic pre-installation problems for your kitchen remodel.

Here’s how you can avoid those pre-installation problems for your kitchen remodel.

  • Make sure your cabinets line up with the walls and other cabinets in the room. Even if they are not technically level, racking them just a few millimeters into or out of position will make much more difference than you might think. 
  • Work with a professional in the industry. They should be able to tell you if your floor is even enough for the cabinets to rest on, and whether any further support will have to be added. In many cases, you can actually add risers to give the cabinets a little lift off of the ground.
  • Don’t forget to do your research. Not all kitchen cabinets are created equal. Make sure you find out what the weight capacity on yours is so that they don’t come crashing down when filled with pots and pans or other heavy items. 
  • The vast majority of accidents happen within the first 24 hours after installation, so it’s best to get everything done in one day. Have extra time allotted for any issues that may arise.
  • If you are planning to let the cabinets sit for a while, remember that humidity can affect them greatly, so try not to leave them in an area where they will be exposed to excess moisture or heat.
  • It’s also important to determine how old your cabinets are and what condition they are currently in beforehand.

Trust Your Kitchen Remodel Project to a Professional

To work with a professional for your kitchen remodel, contact the Kitchen Showcase today.

Incorporate Colorful Cabinetry in Modern Kitchen Design

If you’re renovating or revamping your existing kitchen to a more modern kitchen design, a simple coat of paint or refinishing your cabinets can substantially impact it by giving it an innovative aesthetic. A dull, old kitchen can become dramatic or cheerful, all with the swipe of a paintbrush.

Boldly painted cabinets can serve as a beautiful contrast to the wall color and become a focal interest in your kitchen. The cabinets should be your first consideration when choosing a kitchen color scheme. The kitchen cabinets typically take up approximately 40% of the visual space in your kitchen. Hence, using them as a foundation for future color choices seems a great idea.

Usually, the kitchen cabinets have been designed to have blended into the background. Thankfully, it is 2022, and colorful cabinetry is one of the new homeowners’ most popular kitchen design choices. 

How to Select the Color for your Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet Style

Choose the right cabinet color for your modern kitchen design.

The best way to select a color is by taking inspiration from your cabinet’s design style. In modern kitchens, you can use various bright colors and contrasting tones. A splash of red against a white backdrop will look as incredible as it sounds. Mint green or bright yellow cabinets can breathe a new life into your modern kitchen.

Kitchen Size

A bigger and brighter kitchen will be able to rock dark cabinets, while a small or poorly lit kitchen will look best with light kitchen cabinets.

Don’t Go Overboard

It is ideal for picking and sticking with one color and using it strategically when selecting the color. 

Don’t Forget the Island Cabinetry

If your kitchen has an island in the center, you can mix and match the cabinetry by using a neutral or lightly toned color on the rest of the cabinets and painting the cabinets under the island using a bold tone. Some color choices that will go perfectly here will be varying shades of blue, peach, or yellow.

Final Thoughts

When considering colorful cabinetry choices for your kitchen, consider the rest of the elements, e.g., the appliances, lighting, and the décor items. Whether you’re doing a complete renovation or painting the existing cabinets, you can take inspiration for your color schemes from our gallery.

Benefits Of A Functional And Luxurious Outdoor Kitchen

how an outdoor kitchen adds luxury to your home

Imagine not having to clean the backsplash after every cook. Imagine no grease finding its way onto your kitchen fixtures and walls. Imagine enjoying the sun on your back and the breeze in your hair while you cook food for yourself and your family. Imagine an outdoor kitchen that enables all of this!

Casual Living Magazine conducted a study and found out that 49% of homeowners already have dedicated outdoor cooking spaces or functional outdoor kitchens. The idea of an outdoor kitchen continues to grow in popularity every quarter, with a 65% increase in 2017, as found out by the American Institute of Architects.

An outdoor kitchen accommodating functional needs and aesthetic preferences is a sign of ultimate luxury. The sedentary lifestyle of today’s working-class leaves no chance to enjoy the outdoors. So imagine the influence the concept of blending open spaces into our usual architecture can have on our lifestyle and general attitude towards life. It is a sign of ultimate luxury!

Functional Outdoor Kitchen
High-end luxury outdoor kitchen equipment that is functional and weather-resistant by NatureKast.

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens

  • A New Room
    An outdoor kitchen expands the size of the house while creating a customizable functional space to eat, relax, and unwind.
  • More Liveable Space
    If covered from the top, the outdoor kitchen acts as an additional living space.
  • A New Meeting Place
    During birthdays, holidays, and other special events, informal gatherings become even more memorable when celebrated outdoors instead of the usual living room.
  • Added Value to Property
    Among all home renovation projects, the installation of an outdoor kitchen offers one of the highest returns on investment.

How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen?

Here’s what you need to keep in mind while designing an outdoor kitchen:

  • Select durable materials to withstand the sun and weather
  • Keep the kitchen close to the house
  • Provide ample shade
  • Avoid areas with a lot of wind
  • Purchase appliances and outdoor kitchen equipment according to your needs

If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, schedule a showroom visit today and explore your options!

New Kitchen Design Trends and Accessories

The kitchen is one of the most important areas in our homes that deserves to be furnished with seamless aesthetic details. Our ever-changing world of high innovation has availed us of so many modern stainless steel appliances and affordable technology that can ease the process of cooking and cleaning. People are now moving away from the regular kitchen elements like the countertop, cabinet, and appliances to actually setting up innovative layouts, majestic lighting systems, and laser engraved kitchenware’s that better reflect their culinary art.  

Kitchen Design Trends to Focus On

What are some of the newest kitchen design trends to consider when planning your dream kitchen? 

A wonderfully furnished kitchen gives a personality boost. We all want a kitchen that makes us feel comfortable and proud. Make your kitchen appear amazing by applying some of these new kitchen design trends to your space: 

A kitchen is an important place in our homes
  • Layered lightening 
  • Touchless faucets
  • Multiple islands
  • Strong outdoor connections
  • Disappearing upper cabinets
  • Vintage and antique blend
  • Glass partitions
  • Built-in technology (like the coffee system)

New smart and functional kitchen trends can make your kitchen run smoothly and improve the workflow.  Adding some organizational units, storage bins, a layout flow with ease, etc., can help with your everyday tasks.

We all want the best for our kitchen because it’s where most of our guests and family are entertained. Our cook space probably needs the best attention than other spaces in the house. Arming yourself with trail-blazing kitchen design trend ideas that can help you re-arrange your cook space to look appealing. Your kitchen doesn’t require so much to look great; a little decluttering, reorganizing, and layout can make all the difference.

You are one call away from having a completely remodeled and beautified kitchen. Contact us at The Kitchen Showcase now for your kitchen planning and design.