Building Retaining Walls that Are Sturdy

When built right, retaining walls are a reliable solution if you want to create a level surface on a hilly area or a slope in your garden. However, several retaining wall contractors can attest, not all walls of this kind are designed to be as sturdy as they can be. 

A retaining wall is considered poorly built if:

It has an uneven base

It lacks compacted material in the front 

It has poorly fitted blocks

It has no step-back

Things to Consider

When building retaining walls in your yard, hiring a professional residential landscaping service that has experience with retaining walls will help. Landscaping experts are aware of the different wall elements that need to be considered when erecting a lasting retaining wall. 

These include:

A Solid Soil Foundation

Many garden owners focus on how strong their retaining walls would be from the front. However, if you ask most retaining wall contractors, they will tell you that the material that goes behind your wall is more important. Over time, a poorly built wall can be pushed forward and toppled by the very soil that it attempts to contain. 

Behind retained walls, the soil is divided into two: the undisturbed soil that has been naturally compacted and the soil that was added to fill any empty space between the wall and the undisturbed soil. Because of gravity, the weight of the additional soil will be directed at the lower part of your wall. As a countermeasure, you have to: 

Install the foundation and bottom-most part of the retaining wall deeply into the ground (about 1/10th of the height of the wall). 

Step back your retaining wall materials to allow the wall to lean and push against the filling soil. 

Have solidly compacted material as your base.

Water

Drainage is an important aspect of landscaping, especially when building retaining walls. Take note that uncontrolled water (which may come from your sprinkling system or from natural sources like rain) can weaken your wall over time. 

Therefore, you need to equip your walls with a fast exit route that will redirect this water into the right channels. A well-built wall must: 

Allow water to flow over the wall and seep through blocks to alleviate pressure

Have compacted soil behind to block large volumes of water from soaking in

Have a landscape fabric that prevents soil from entering the gravel (the gravel allows water to reach your drain tile) 

Have a drain tile that moves water away from your retaining wall

Materials

Businesses that provide residential landscaping services in 18940 know that landscape timbers are not enough to hold back the soil. Therefore, they use reinforcement materials in the form of "dead men" to lock the wall into the soil behind it. Other popular materials include concrete, stones, and manufactured blocks. Not every landscaping company in 19047 understands that.

Any retaining wall contractors in Newtown worth their weight will seek out the proper permits and get the approval of a building inspector along the way. DKC is one of those landscapers serving lower Bucks County that you can trust to build you a sturdy wall.

New Kitchen Colors That Will Match Your Personality and Style

Luxury kitchens use top-quality materials, feature modern technologies, and employ optimized space planning. However, a wrong color palette can break that lavish vibe. If you visit a kitchen design center near you, you’ll notice how color themes can change the look and mood of any kitchen. 

Want to have a luxury kitchen? This article should make things more convenient for you. Check out these eight must-know kitchen color-related tips. 

Consider your overall theme. Your choice of color will be dependent on the overall theme you’re trying to achieve. If you want to have a coastal kitchen theme, blue-and-white combinations are the most common choices. If you want a modern farmhouse theme, the use of stained woods and off whites are a perfect mix. Your color palette should include black, bronze, and even copper hues if you want an industrial look. 

Visualize your kitchen five years from now. Designing your dream kitchen is a major investment. Decide on a color theme that represents your style with longevity in mind. In terms of durability, we recommend visiting a designer kitchen and bath showroom near you and ask those experts to recommend paint finishes to protect your surfaces from stains, spills, and other blemishes. 

Take into account the adjacent rooms. Luxury kitchens should allow for a cohesive look of your home’s interior. Choose colors that transition well into the adjacent rooms. This is especially crucial if you have an open or semi-open layout. If you don’t consider the palette of surrounding spaces, your kitchen interior will look uncoordinated and unpleasant. 

Find clues from already existing palettes in your home or neighbors’ homes that have impressed you. For example, when you visit a bathroom design center, you may observe how countertop and cabinet colors complement the colors of the wall and the flooring. The same concept should apply to your kitchen design. If you already have new appliances, and countertops and flooring materials installed, take a cue and match your decorative color theme to them. 

Don’t go overboard with your color selection. Typically, you should only have two to three dominant colors in your kitchen. Too many conflicting colors can make your kitchen look cramped and cluttered. The most popular luxury kitchen color combinations include blue-gray/silver/gold-white, brown-and-white, cool gray-and-white, red-and-white, black-and-white, black-and-brass, and green-white-gold. If you’re adding wall decorations, make sure that their color also complements your main palette. 

When in doubt, opt for white. White is a classic kitchen color. It screams cleanliness and elegance. It’s also flexible and can be paired well with the colors of your countertop, appliances, and flooring. If you’re not quite sure how you’ll dress up your luxury kitchen, white is your safest choice. 

Consider your light sources. If you ask any professional kitchen designer, you’ll learn how natural and artificial light can affect how you perceive colors. Make it a point to test a few paint samples and see how they appear with the light sources you have in your kitchen. Then, to make the most of your color palette, invest in a well-designed lighting system as well. 

Visiting a designer kitchen and bath showroom committing to paint colors and materials will pay dividends. Working with a luxury kitchen designer to develop the right color palette is a great suggestion for the homeowner that lacks color selection skills. Consult with a pro to make sure that your vision can be translated into a kitchen you will love.  It’s your dream kitchen. Don’t fall short of achieving your dream by not planning properly.

Best Stone Material for Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen countertop is one of the most used surfaces in any home. When choosing the material for your kitchen countertops, you need to consider durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics. 

Many homeowners use stone materials like Corian and quartz because of their top-notch resilience and elegant appeal. However, these two also have their own advantages. In this article, we will take a close look at two of the best stone materials for countertops. 

Corian vs Quartz

Corian and quartz are top choices for kitchen countertops.

Drawing its name from a particular brand, Corian refers to a countertop material that contains polymer (about 33%) and natural minerals (about 66%). This solid surface is bound with different resins. On the other hand, quartz’s main composition is about 93% natural quartzite crystals (quartzite is a natural stone). These crystals are bound with resins, color dyes, and other materials. 

Durability. Both are lauded for their superior strength. They are non-porous and can handle stains well, given that proper cleaning and maintenance is done. They can both last for many years. Nonetheless, quartz (which is more dense than Corian) is the more durable one — it is less prone to scratches and is more heat resistant. No matter which material you choose, keep in mind that regular cleaning and maintenance are required to preserve their longevity. 

Cost. When comparing Corian and quartz, they pretty much cost the same. And they’re both cost-effective options compared to other premium countertop materials. However, the total price tag will vary depending on the size and style you will choose. The more elaborate your kitchen design is, expect that you’d have to pay for more material. Either choice, you’ll get the best value for your money because, as stated, both materials are generally durable and resistant to damages. 

Style and Appearance. Corian suits kitchens that evoke a contemporary vibe. It can also be formed into rounded and curved shapes, making it more versatile than quartz. Corion is also more lightweight. However, if you want a more classic styling, quartz is the better choice. It has a clean, elegant look that won’t go out of date even after several years. However, you have to take note that the seams in quartz countertops are visible though they may be covered with the help of kitchen design experts. 

Sustainability. Today, going green isn’t just the responsibility of big companies that produce a huge carbon footprint. Even ordinary homeowners now have ways in which they can champion sustainability. For example, experts note that quartz is eco-friendly because its main material is inherently a plentiful resource. Other quartz products even contain recycled content. On the other hand, though it contains synthetic materials, Corian is acknowledged for its minimal impact in manufacturing. 

Wrapping Up

While Corian vs quartz discussions present different advantages for both sides, the decision ultimately comes down to what fits your parameters best. These include your household’s lifestyle, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. In addition, both stone materials are available in different sizes, shapes, and edging options. To help you make a sound decision, enlist help from an expert and source your material from a reputable supplier.

Your New Kitchen Colors: 7 Things to Consider

There is no doubt how functionality is a top priority when designing your home’s kitchen. But imagine having a cleverly assembled kitchen whose color scheme doesn’t seem to work out. If you’re working on your kitchen’s aesthetics, you will find yourself thinking a lot about color. Such as, which color should your gourmet kitchen appliances be? What countertop color suits white cabinets best? 

In this article, we’re discussing seven tips for selecting the right color palette for your kitchen. 

Decide on a theme. The theme you want for your kitchen primarily affects the way you select your color scheme. If you’re going for a farmhouse-style kitchen, you’d mostly have whites and natural browns. If you want it to have a retro appeal, there’s a need to have pastel hues of yellow and turquise colors. Contemporary and industrial themes, on the other hand, feature dark hues and metallic accents. 

Pick a color for your cabinet first. Cabinets take up much of a person’s visual field when entering any kitchen. This is why it makes sense to start with cabinets when selecting colors for your kitchen. Many homeowners opt for white cabinets because of their versatility. However, if your kitchen is a busy one, choosing darker ones (like black, gray, or dark brown) can minimize dirt, fingerprints and other blemishes. 

Keep countertops neutral. Apart from cabinets, countertops also have a substantial visual impact. If you are looking for kitchen countertop ideas with white cabinets, you’d mostly find designs whose countertop colors are neutral tones. This provides flexibility both in the short run and in the long run. If you want to repaint sometime in the future, neutral-colored countertops can be easily paired with different color choices for other surfaces. 

Select appliance colors that blend well with your cabinets. The color of your essential and gourmet kitchen appliances should complement the look of your cabinets and countertops. For example, soft white cabinets typically work with white, gray, or black appliances. If your kitchen has dark cabinets with light wood floors, stainless steel appliances may work better. 

Add character through your backsplash. As mentioned, countertops are typically neutral in color. The backsplash is your opportunity to add character to your kitchen. Depending on the theme you have for your kitchen, you can keep it neutral but with richer textures or you can opt for patterned or bright-colored tiles. 

Look at the bigger picture. Apart from the abovementioned, you have to consider the colors of your walls and flooring system. If your kitchen is small in size, choose a color palette that will make the space airier and larger. If your kitchen is spacious, consider adding an accent wall that may serve as a divider between a dining area. If your kitchen will be used extensively, you may wish to choose dark- wood flooring to disguise scuff marks. You should also take lighting into account as it can affect the way colors are perceived. Dark palettes need to be well-lit, for instance, not to affect the functionality of your kitchen space. 

Inject your personality into your kitchen. When consulting a professional, you should make sure this kitchen designer is using a virtual kitchen design program that allows for color visualizations. For example, if you add personalized decors, the color of the decorations you should choose should work well with the overall look of your space. If not, you can alter colors long before you lift a paint brush. Take advantage of the most popular kitchen design photo galleries and these websites tend to feature trendier color combinations.

Expert Installation Techniques for Landscape Lighting

Good lighting can make a landscape design more alive at dusk and nighttime. A well-lit garden adds a wow factor to your home and boosts its resale value. This is why it pays to have the right landscaping company by your side whenever you’re embarking on a landscape installation or renovation project. 

How Landscape Lighting Is Installed

A lighting designer typically comes after the landscaping installation work is done. This makes it easier for the landscaping lighting professionals to perform their job and bring your ideas to life. We do recommend that any wiring work be installed under the hardscaping work or grass before the landscaping company in Langhorne leaves the jobsite. It is best to have the underground wiring installed before mortar sets and grass seeding is performed. 

If you want to have recessed lighting accentuate your exterior’s best features, professional landscape lighting companies can drill a concrete core in your driveway to install this type of lighting design. The core usually measures five inches in diameter. However, if the architectural features you want to highlight are yet to be built, lighting professionals can also work by pouring concrete in small amounts. This will save you money because no extensive drilling is required. 

If the landscape is a newly built one — meaning, the plants and trees are not yet tall and strong — lighting experts install the lights on soffits and gables (if your garden has one). They also use bulbs that draw a minimal wattage as these can affect the growth of your plantings. These lights are also installed at the right angle so that the trees and plants can be artistically lit. 

Why Hire A Lighting Expert

There are different factors to consider when lighting up your yard. You also need to have a different set of tools. To help you out, hiring one of those professional landscape lighting companies in your area is highly recommended. Here are more reasons why. 

You can tap into their knowledge and experience. As in any other industry and area in life, experience is the best teacher when it comes to lighting landscapes. The installation itself is already complex. You’d need someone knowledgeable and experienced to get the job done right and cost-effectively. 

You gain access to high-quality resources. When you enlist help from a landscaping company in Langhorne PA, you also get access to their network. This network includes on-site technicians and suppliers of landscape lighting products and accessories. A reliable business is someone who’s able to outsource the things you’ll need for the project and ensure that they’re of superior quality. 

You get to transform your ideas into reality. The results of using a professional landscape lighting expert will boost your curb appeal. The landscape lighting design you decide on should reflect your personality and complement the look of your home’s exterior. 

You can spend your time and money smartly by choosing landscapers in Newtown that also have skills as outdoor lighting installers. Doing home improvements DIY-style — including incorporating a suitable lighting design into your garden — is laborious and expensive. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, hiring a pro is key. Do yourself a favor and find a few professional landscape lighting companies Near Me and invite them to quote on your installation project.

Pandemic or Not, You Need a Kitchen Designer to Help

For you to achieve a fully functional kitchen that fits your character and lifestyle, it’s a must to discuss things with professional kitchen designers. Now that you have spent more than a year during a pandemic lockdown, you perhaps recognized areas of your kitchen that you would like to change. Thankfully, virtual and in-person consultation services are both available with most kitchen designers to help you achieve your kitchen goals seamlessly. 

Here’s how these kitchen experts can help you out.

They understand where you’re coming from. Backed by years of experience working with different clients, kitchen professionals — from designers to custom cabinet makers in NJ — can craft plans and products that can match your vision. Part of their job is to know your goals and be keen on what you want. They do this by setting up meetings with you and asking pertinent questions (virtually or physically, depending on your choice). For your part, you have to make sure that your communication line is open and you’re relaying your concept and suggestions clearly. 

Kitchen designers know how to blend aesthetics with functionality. A great kitchen is one that effectively combines form and function. If you are looking for a luxury kitchen design that can be outfitted with a high end Wolf range or modern kitchen cabinetry for a minimalist style, a professional designer has the expertise to bring your ideas to life. They also design with your budget and timeline in mind. 

A kitchen designer will prioritize safety. As the world is ushered into the new normal because of the pandemic, several kitchen trends and technologies that highlight safety have also emerged. Kitchen designers and custom cabinet makers in NJ are updated about these developments. They make sure to incorporate into the project whatever it is that will help create a safe and optimized kitchen. 

They have access to suppliers and industry information. Possibilities abound when you work with reputable and experienced kitchen designers. This is because they have a huge network of suppliers, craftsmen, technicians, and contractors that offer top-quality products and services. Having such critical access will help guarantee that your demands will be met accordingly. 

They render detailed drawings for easier visualization. To facilitate better visualization and assessment of their designs, professional kitchen design consultants are also skilled in rendering detailed drawings of your dream kitchen. These visual materials, which can be presented virtually or in person, also foster a more collaborative environment and make things easier for you and your kitchen design and construction team. 

While hiring kitchen designers in Morris County NJ is definitely advantageous, you also have to play your part in achieving your dream kitchen. As stated, you identify with what you want and establish your goals. Make sure your essential details are relayed clearly — whether you’re doing a virtual or in-person kitchen design consultation. You also have to choose professionals who are prompt, flexible, and strictly follow health protocols. This way, you can guarantee that you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams as stress-free and safe as possible.

9 Tips When Choosing the Right Garden Designer for You

Enhancing your garden through landscaping will boost your house’s aesthetic appeal and market value. Plants and trees can make your residential space a more relaxing place to live. If you’re hiring a residential landscaping service to spruce up your yard, here are nine tips you need to take into account. 

Know what you want to achieve with your yard. Before tapping any landscaping expert to help you with your garden, you have to identify the purpose behind your project. Do you simply want to enhance the look of your yard? Or do you want to add more sophisticated features and make it more functional by adding an outdoor living space additions? 

Understand the process of a professional landscaping company. In order to choose the best among several landscaping contractors in Bucks County, you have to understand what is required to work with each professional first. Provide them the responsibilities that he or she needs to assume, the installation standards you require and the estimated costs, as well as the usual payment terms. 

Choose a garden designer who can help you meet your goals. Your garden designer should understand your objectives so he or she can deliver upon your expectations. When choosing a local landscaper near me, select someone who is attentive to details and is easy to communicate with. 

Look into their credentials and view previous projects they have completed. If you’re hiring landscaping services for your home, it’s imperative to look into their credibility. Based upon their experience, certifications, and testimonials portfolio, you must verify if they have what it takes to deliver your landscaping requirements. 

Check if their range of services can accommodate your demand. Some landscaping companies in Newtown are more well-rounded than others. If you want to have a headache free experience and minimize your project costs, you have to pick a landscaping contractor that offers the specific services you are seeking — from design to installation to repair, and maintenance. 

Ask about their typical gardening processes. If you’re concerned about sustainability, you should also take into account if your prospective landscaper observes green gardening concepts. Ask about their soil preparation, plant selection, and installation processes. Ask about the equipment and products that they’re using. 

Request that your prospective designer visit your property first before submitting an estimate. If a garden contractor is not willing to visit your location to inspect and measure the job site personally, consider this as a red flag. A credible landscaper is someone who sets aside time to conduct a site visit and see first-hand what your garden currently looks like. Doing so will make it easier for him or her to bring your vision to reality. 

Ensure that their estimate is an “apples to apples” comparison with other estimates in your evaluation process. Find out what is covered by the package you’re being offered from all the landscaping contractors in Bucks County you are evaluating. Because landscaping is an important investment, you have to make sure that all pertinent details about their services being rendered reflects the pricing are written in a contract. 

While it’s vital to check online reviews from previous clients, you should also get recommendations from people within your friends and family circle.

How Landscapers Help You Avoid Problems with your HOA

When you buy a home in a community governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), you cannot just put new structures or add plants wherever you want. There are HOA rules to follow, and that includes specific provisions concerning landscaping.

The HOA rules are there for a reason. Landscape maintenance does not just keep your property beautiful, it also ensures that the value of your home is at par or even better compared to other properties in the community.

Before you plant hydrangeas, install a fence, or look for tree removal service, you better know the rules, or you will get in trouble. To avoid all the hassle, make sure you hire professional landscaping services company that is familiar with your community’s HOA rules and are willing to work within that scope.

Here’s how professional landscapers can help you avoid problems with your HOA:

Experienced Landscapers Should Know The Rules (Even If There’s A Ton Of Them!)

Most questions of homeowners about landscaping and landscape maintenance are detailed in their HOA rules. However, no one can blame you if you don’t read them all since these rules often consist of hundreds of pages. 

We are aware of several well-established landscaping services in Langhorne that have a good relationship with the different HOAs in Bucks County. Most of them have an open line of communication with the association’s board because of projects they have done before for other residents. But be cautious, not all of the landscaping companies in Newtown have these established relationships.

We recommend the residential landscaping services you hire know the rules like the back of their hand, which will save you from all the warnings and potential fines.

Landscapers Also Know Township And County Ordinances 

Aside from the HOA Rules, landscapers should be familiar with the ordinances in your county. While your HOA provides rules for some landscape maintenance practices in your specific neighborhood, you still need to conform with the existing township ordinances.

So aside from problems with your HOA, landscapers can also save you from other legal woes.

Professional Landscaping Services Should Keep Your Property Safe

Landscapers in Langhorne will not only make sure that your lawn looks immaculate but also make sure that your property is safe. They can easily identify potential hazards that might harm you, your family, or passersby. 

From overgrown shrubs that block the view of traffic signs, cracked pathways, or dead branches that may fall on cars or pedestrians, they are trained to spot these challenges. 

A Good Landscaper Can Help Increase Your Property Value

If you are not aware of your HOA’s landscaping rules or refuse to abide by them, selling your home could be difficult. Worse, you might be able to sell your house, but the new owner will have to deal with a ton of headaches to correct the mistakes you did not properly deal with.

A savvy homebuyer will not let you get away with the expenses they incur that easily. 

The Bottom Line

Professional landscaping services you hire should understand the needs of homeowners while making sure you follow the rules set by your homeowner's association. Same with the tree stump grinding near me you consider.

If there are issues with the landscapers serving lower Bucks County, you should be able to talk to with the management team and convey your concerns. If budget is a concern, they can guide you by the hand and identify items you should prioritize. 

Hiring the best landscaping services in Langhorne that know your HOA rules is always worth it. You can end up spending more to fix the problems created by unqualified landscaping services.

Kitchen Design Trends for 2021

More than ever, families found themselves spending more time in the kitchen in 2020 than ever before. Homeowners had a unique opportunity to speculate on what they like about their kitchens and what they would change about their kitchens. Here are some of the design trends that we see emerging in 2021.

Warmer Colors

There is a keen desire to feel comforted and protected in our homes. We are seeing clients choose colors that evoke warm, cozy, and relaxing vibes. In the kitchen, particularly, this trend is seen in different ways — from natural cabinet finishes to earth-toned paint colors. 

Minimizing Cabinet Hardware

Handless cabinets. One of the best trends to emerge in recent years is having hidden hardware such as cabinet pulls and handles.. Metallic hardware we learned may be an area where contagious pathogens can be transferred from person to person. This trend for spring loaded hidden hardware also ushers in a more sophisticated seamless look. 

Touchless Faucets

Touchless and smart faucets too can help minimize the spread of pathogens. These hardened, exposed surfaces can be easily cleaned but many homeowners discovered that everyone in the house uses the kitchen faucet often and the first thing they do is touch the faucet with dirty hands. Kitchen innovators like Moen and Kohler have introduced smart faucets several years ago but the recent pandemic has boosted the sale of these items. These faucets offer a hands-free functionality that comes with a much sleeker design. 

Induction Cooktops

These easy to clean glass cooktops have become a staple in many kitchens. Not only are they energy-efficient and easy to maintain, but they are also aesthetically pleasing, super safe for the chef to use and highly durable. 

Function over Form for Storage

In a post-pandemic world, the kitchen is busier than ever. More groceries and appliances demand more storage. To keep everything organized and decluttered, more functional storage solutions are needed. Apart from floating cabinets, open shelving is also now more ubiquitous. 

Larger Walk in Pantries

Walk-in pantries are also becoming more popular these days. Often the kitchen is positioned in the back of the home along with a mud room and an area for the laundry. We are seeing homeowners convert these mudroom/laundry areas into a pantry with easy access to the kitchen. Alongside this trend, homeowners are also now more serious about investing in kitchen organizers and accessories like baskets and glass containers. 

Larger Kitchen Islands with Seating

One of the biggest kitchen cabinet design trends this year is having larger kitchen islands with storage space. With bigger kitchen islands, we are seeing the formal dining room fade away. Most of these kitchen island designs have seating for four or more.  Designing a kitchen island with stools requires a thoughtful use of space to avoid other functions islands serve.

Surprise Storage for Mini Appliances

Instapots, Kurig coffee makers, small toaster ovens and an avalanche of small appliances are hotter than ever. The challenge is finding where to put all these smaller gadgets. We are seeing more customized storage solutions that disguise themselves as typical undercounter cabinets and drawers.

One of the best kitchen cabinet designers in Mercer County shared many of these trends above. She tells us that people are now putting in more effort into kitchen and bath renovations in Central Jersey than she has seen in the last 5 years. From decorating countertops with ceramics, adding more art pieces on walls, to dedicating an open shelf for plants and cooking books — these seemingly small changes leave a considerable impact on any kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. Find a local kitchen cabinet maker near you to resurface kitchen cabinet doors if they are looking a little dreary.

Custom Made Kitchen Cabinets Make the Difference

Style and layout are crucial factors in any kitchen. But to truly achieve a functional kitchen that fits your demands and preferences, investing in custom made kitchen cabinets is highly recommended. Compared with their mass-produced counterparts, these storage solutions are designed and built according to your specifications and other set parameters.

We’re giving you the best ways how these cabinets can make the difference and help you achieve your dream kitchen.

They allow you to maximize your space. One of the best things about customized kitchen cabinets is that they’re built to fit the space you have. No matter what size or shape your kitchen is — and no matter how much storage space you’d need for all your kitchen stuff — cabinet makers can deliver a final output that can help you maximize every space you have.

They provide endless possibilities, aesthetics-wise. Apart from helping you create a kitchen that works best for your needs, custom made cabinets also give you the liberty to choose the colors and other style elements you want. Seeking an industrial appeal? How about a grand French Country style look? Because cabinets are a highly visible component of the kitchen, designing them to your liking can help you achieve the overall look you want for your kitchen.

They make your kitchen more personal. Do you have a special affinity for specialty wood work, crown molding and embellishments? Do you want to make a certain storage space more functional to accommodate your baking equipment or smaller kitchen appliances? If there’s any detail or unique modification you want to add, custom cabinet makers can turn your ideas into a reality.

They offer a higher quality of craftsmanship. Cabinetry professionals allot time and effort to create custom kitchen cabinet design that will surely satisfy their clients. And this is why tailored-fit cabinets generally have a higher level of craftsmanship than what you typically see in showrooms.

They are built to last. In consonance with having a higher quality of craftsmanship, painted kitchen cabinets are very in these days. A custom cabinet maker can utilize specialty hard woods and materials you just can’t find in the big box stores. Consider it as sort of an investment to a work of art that can last a lifetime.

Speaking of having the freedom to choose your cabinet materials, customized cabinets also allow you to uphold your commitment to living a more sustainable life. If you want a more eco-friendly kitchen design, we recommend hiring a kitchen designer in Hunterdon County NJ we love for your dream kitchen, and she will work closely with the cabinet maker that can help you get access to materials, like renewable, reclaimed woods that have a low carbon footprint.

Compared with stock cabinetry, custom kitchen cabinets give you the opportunity to truly showcase your personality. And because kitchens are a focal point of the majority of homes in the country, it’s also a great way to make a statement — something that can make your residential space more unique and special.

Steam Shower Designs That Take Your Breath Away

You don’t have to go out and visit luxury spa destinations to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Some of the top bathroom design companies can help you bring a spa-like experience to your home by incorporating a trendy steam shower design to your bathroom. 

Fixtures Are Hidden Behind Walls

Steam showers are hugely popular among our clients. Though it can look like an ordinary shower stall, it’s actually a steam room that provides a soothing and warm environment for its users. One of the best benefits is all the plumbing and heating units are hidden behind walls and under the shower stall.. 

Design Ideas

Here are some of the best steam shower designs you can try for your bathroom remodeling project. 

Sauna Inspired Designs

Sauna-inspired steam shower. Saunas are a great place for relaxation. Its design is characterized by the use of horizontal wood planks and white tiles on the wall. To complete this look, you can also add a huge wooden bench for added comfort and convenience. 

A Domes Steam Room

Travertine-domed steam room. If you want to have a unique steam shower experience, you might want to consider an ancient bath-inspired design. It features a domed ceiling and benches that are placed in front of each other. This is a great idea if you wish your steam room to be communal. 

Steaming With a View

Steam shower with a window. When choosing a steam shower design, you have to consider your bathroom space. One trick to help make your bathroom more airy even with the presence of a steam shower, is to add a window. Adding a bench in the wall where the window is located is also recommended. 

Comfortable Seating

Steam shower with an ergonomic bench. Speaking of benches, you can also opt for a design that showcases an ergonomic bench for extra comfort. There are steam room benches that are designed to provide proper spine support, which proves to be useful if you want to really relax while sweating it off. 

Don’t Forget Your Feet

Foot tub-equipped steam shower. If your space allows, you might also want to add a foot tub inside your steam room to give you the ultimate experience. Want to show off how your steam shower looks? Install the tub behind a clear and frameless shower door to have a full view of how your steam room looks like. 

A Relaxing Massage

Massager-equipped steam shower. If your nature of work brings you too much stress, you might want to consider equipping your steam shower with a water pulse massager. A modern steam shower like this can also be packed with other features like LED lighting, a ventilation fan, and an FM radio. 

The Smell of Relaxation

Aromatherapy steam shower. For clients who are particular about bathroom smells, having a steam shower with aromatherapy features is highly recommended. With the help of essential oils, you can make your shower steam experience healthier and more soothing. 

Have Your Own Ideas?

Custom steam shower designs. If you have a specific shower steam idea in mind, opting for a customized design is the way to go. Whether you want more features or a floating bench or a look that melds contemporary and natural wood elements, personalization will give you more freedom. Only a few bathroom design companies in NJ have experience with steam shower installations. Ask some pointed questions about experience level and gain testimonials before committing to a bathroom design center in NJ to start the project.

Modern Kitchen Ideas for Younger Homeowners

Recent surveys show that the majority of today’s homebuyers belong to the millennial populace which is determined by those who are born between 1981 and 1996. And for them, the kitchen is the heart and soul of their sanctuary. After all, they regard the ability to cook as an essential indicator of successful adulting. From having modern kitchen cabinetry for storage to sprucing things up with personalized accents, these young homeowners have a penchant for a kitchen that’s hip, functional, and reflective of their character. 

Investing in a home you can call your own? In this article, we’re taking you through several modern kitchen ideas for you to consider. 

Airy, open layout. Breaking away from traditional residential floor plans, the millennial home sees the merging of the kitchen to the dining and living areas. When you browse through a modern kitchen photo galley, you’ll notice that many contemporary houses follow this trend — which is accentuated by a cohesive color palette and indoor plants that help distinguish one zone from another. 

A flexible and integrated kitchen experience. Kitchens are an avenue for innovative design and construction solutions. This is especially true for young homeowners who are keen on creating a space that’s tailored to what they need now and what they’d demand in the future. This is why they invest in the so-called "flextension" trend. This is characterized by island units with integrated seating, extended breakfast bars, and countertops that can be used for home office work. 

Built-in appliances and concealed storage. Another signature look of a young homeowner’s kitchen is the modern kitchen cabinetry they gravitate too. Contemporary kitchen designs typically feature full-on concealed storage, open shelving, or a clever combination of the two. And to further maximize kitchen space, built-in appliances are making their comeback and attracting buzz from the younger generation. 

Natural and ambient lighting. A kitchen is not complete without proper lighting. And in this frontier, combining natural and ambient lighting continues to charm young homeowners. Task lighting is also essential to make one’s cooking experience more convenient and efficient. All these lighting elements make for a kitchen space that’s fresh with just the right flair for drama — whether it’s night or day. 

The Two-toned kitchen. If you want to add more twist to your kitchen, opting for a two-toned kitchen can do the trick. And this trend can refer to both colors and textures. For instance, you might want to try pairing up dark-colored cabinetry with light wood flooring and lighter colors for the walls. Or, you can combine wood textures with concrete ones. 

Personalized accessories and accents. When you look for pics via a modern kitchen photo gallery you’d also notice that many millennial kitchens are adorned with customized accessories and accents. This is a great way to create a cooking space that’s unique to your needs — and to your personality. 

A smart and sustainable kitchen. With millennials being knowledgeable about the benefits of carbon emissions combined with of the use of smart technology, it doesn’t come as a surprise why more and more younger homeowners now prefer to have a smart and sustainable kitchen. Modern kitchen trends also give the spotlight to energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly technologies.

Our kitchen design center in NJ shows off several examples of sleek kitchen cabinetry that wows our younger homeowners. Stop into our kitchen design center near Pennington NJ today to see what move them.

Connected Kitchens Make Smarter Choices

We live in a world where tedious tasks can be done with just a few taps on a screen or using voice commands with your digital home assistant. For cooking enthusiasts, Smart Kitchen technology is now just as important as the type of countertop you remodel your kitchen with. From the coffee pot to the refrigerator, kitchen appliances have become smarter, more efficient and are more prevalent in kitchens throughout the United States.

Let’s look at some statistics

Grand View Research recently published a study showing that the global market of smart kitchen appliances is worth 9.87 Billion USD in 2019. Furthermore, experts expect this number to grow 19.1% from 2019 to 2027.

Basically, an effective connected kitchen design integrated into your home goes beyond having an Instapot, a coffee maker and Alexa standing by. It appears that a Smart refrigerator has become “The Smart Hub”. Networking that refrigerator with your digital home assistant like Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Home Assistant is a great step in the right direction in achieving a connected kitchen design that is poised for the future. To pre-heat your oven in advance of your arrival home would require an oven that allows for programming or can receive commands from a mobile app. These modern kitchen design features are already here today and go way beyond a few sleek kitchen cabinets with hidden hardware.  

Traditional Kitchen vs Smart Kitchen

Many of the luxury kitchen appliance manufacturers like Wolf, Sub-Zero and Viking are slower to develop these smart appliances, but they too are making strides to compete with LG, Samsung and Jenn-Aire. The traditional kitchen designer that remains naïve to the advances made in smart kitchen design concepts will find themselves missing out on what homeowners are now demanding for their kitchen designs. Kitchen designers that embrace the technological advances will reap the rewards of new business from younger homeowners that grew up with the digital transformation. 

There are skeptics when it comes to smart kitchens, so we wanted to settle this once and for all. Smart kitchens are for the well to do. Even the humblest kitchen can benefit from a connected kitchen design. Kitchens that have smaller real estate devoted to it are being equipped with smart technology. Nearly 90 million US adults now have smart speakers in their homes. That is one-third of all US consumers. This wave has turned into a tsunami. This traditional kitchen designer has been developing connected kitchen designs that include Alexa for a few years now and believes her motto of redefining design has been enhanced with smart technology.

Designer Kitchens Found in Mansions

Are you looking for inspiration for your kitchen remodeling project? Sometimes, luxury kitchens found in mansions offer plenty of creative energy to tap into. They have some of the best and most innovative kitchen and bath renovations that you can show to your kitchen designer. Here are some of our favorite features. 

Luxurious Marble or Granite Countertops

Natural stone countertops are classic, useful, and consistent features in any upscale mansion kitchen. Aside from the functionality and durability of natural stone, they also provide a luxurious touch to any kitchen space. Classical kitchen countertop colors range from lighter beiges colors to dark grays. Natural stone is also easy to maintain. If you want this posh touch but you are working on a limited budget, inexpensive marble and granite countertops are available. Show your kitchen inspiration to your local kitchen cabinet makers and they can develop a color scheme for your cabinetry that will appear harmonious. 

Ceiling High Cabinets

Are you looking for a feature that can make your small-ish kitchen space look taller? Mansion homes often allow the cabinets reach the ceiling and cap it with crown molding. No reason why your smaller kitchen can’t achieve a similar look if your ceiling height is over 12 feet. This vertical illusion can make your kitchen look taller and grander than it actually is. Go for stark contrasts if you want to play up this shape. For example, if you have white walls, play up the vertical illusion by having dark brown or black cabinets. 

A Tile Backsplash

A tile backsplash is another inexpensive way to make your kitchen look more luxurious. It adds more protection for your walls while at the same time making your kitchen space appear more elegant. For a minimalist look, you can choose big marble tiles in light colors. If you want to be more playful, you can be adventurous and explore what mosaic tiles can provide you. 

Stainless Steel or Dark Color Appliances

Do you want to have a modern looking kitchen? Gray or stainless steel is in. Many of the newer models today include a fingerprint resistant coating that makes them easy to clean. Dodge the old school white appliances and play up the industrial look of your kitchen with stainless steel appliances to give you a more gourmet kitchen design. 

Remove The Dining Room Wall

If your space allows for it and you really want to simulate what your favorite kitchen in those remodeling magazines have, go large. You can ask your kitchen designer in Hamilton to help you make smart space decisions so you can accommodate large scale appliances as well. The days of the formal dining room are gone and if you have one in your home, it is probably the least used room in the house. By tearing down the walls that divide the kitchen and dining area, you could add over 150 square feet of kitchen space. A kitchen island with stools can support the dining needs and also give it that high end look. 

Most high end kitchens found in mansions fall into the category of “designer kitchens” and there was probably a high end kitchen designer that was contracted to do the design work. No reason why you can’t steal a few of the ideas for your own kitchen. One suggestion is to schedule a day visiting a few open house tours by looking through the real estate agency catering to a wealthy clientele. Bring your camera and a note pad to capture a few luxury kitchen designs found in these homes.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That Will Not Break The Bank

You are determined to make your home comfortable, relaxing, and more enjoyable. Most people want a house that not only feels good to be in, but that you can show off to friends and family. Your kitchen is one of those focal points in your home and must therefore be designed tastefully and appealing to you and those who visit.

If you are like most people, your kitchen is more than a space for the preparation of food and the storage of eating and cooking utensils. It is also a place where your family eats and talks every day. It is a place where you regularly congregate with your closets friends and enjoy other social occasions. There is no reason why its design should not reflect your imagination and playfulness. This can be accomplished through the art we hang on the walls, the flooring, wall coverings and the lighting we choose.

Here are some ideas for decorating your kitchen:

1. Hang art

The best way to make your kitchen comfortable and cosy, even if you have painted your kitchen walls, is to strategically place framed artwork, photography from family vacations and attractive wall hangings that have caught your eye. Give your kitchen a culture shock and add some art! This will spruce up your kitchen and may even stir interesting discussions.

2. Floor Coverings are Important

Putting down a rug runner to protect heavily trafficked areas from wear and tear can add color to the space. It also makes for a soft and warm surface for tired and cold feet.

3. Wallpaper Is Not Dead

There is a reason why Lowes and Home Depot have a dedicated individual to help you select wall coverings. Home fashionistas may say otherwise but wallpaper is still very popular. We have seen people choose to just paper one wall or just the bottom 4 feet of a wall to create a chair rail to separate paint from wallpaper. Wall paper give you more color and design options.

4. Wall Sconces & Pendant Lighting

Clients love using wall sconces to accentuate a wall. Recessed lighting can be used in the ceiling for the main source of illumination but accent pieces on the walls add character. Pendant lighting is popular for kitchen island designs and can really boost the kitchen appeal from above.

5. Add a colorful appliance

One of the best ways to add life and color to your kitchen is to buy a mixer, coffee machine, or toaster in shades that are lively or bright. In vogue these days is retro colors for small appliances. Or you can choose colors that are strong and stand in contrast to the rest of the kitchen.

6. Add a backsplash

This can create a wonderful look and feel behind a stove top or over a sink area. Marble hexagon tiles and decorative porcelain tiles are manufactured specifically for backsplashes for these purposes. I have seen a very attractive backsplash supporting a Corian countertops in NJ this month that has reinvigorated my passion for backsplashes.

7. Hang shelves

If there is not enough storage space in your kitchen, you should hang a few open shelves in a contrasting shade to the walls they are on. This is where you can place your cookbooks or even plants and nick-knacks. Shelves not only add more space to the kitchen, but they are also decorative, and will improve the appearance of the place.

There is plenty that can be done with your kitchen. Your imagination and creativity are your only barrier to transforming your kitchen and kitchen cabinets into objects of beauty and perfection. Many homeowners opt for Kitchen cabinet refacing to lift the look of older looking cabinets. Modern kitchen cabinet design has been leaning heavily on shaker and slab cabinet doors. If the cabinet itself is still sturdy, just changing the doors may be a wise option. If you don’t want to tackle the remodeling by yourself, try to find a kitchen design boutique in NJ that can help you develop some new ideas. Most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously and have some fun with these and other design ideas for your kitchen remodel.

Custom Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for The Younger Homeowner

At 25 years old, my daughter and her husband bought their first home knowing there was going to be a little remodeling required in the years to come. The kitchen was one of those areas that needed to be redesigned to their liking. It is not uncommon for younger homeowners to invest in their starter home knowing they were destined to more up within ten years or so.

After taking some measurements of the wall space and appliances currently in their kitchen, they visited Lowes and Home Depot to check out some kitchen cabinetry. What they discovered was that standard sizes of kitchen cabinetry sold in those big box stores was not going to work for their current kitchen arrangement. But they did get a feel for the current trends and got some ideas of what they liked and didn’t like. 

Here are a few of the latest trends in kitchen cabinetry:

1. Open shelving 

They liked the idea of some open shelving. A combination of closed under the counter kitchen cabinets plus 4-6 open shelves strategically placed is not an uncommon arrangement. There are plenty of advantages to having open kitchen shelving. Open shelving allows this couple to display wine glasses, pitchers and plates. They got some nice wedding shower gifts and thought they might as well show these off. The convenience of open kitchen shelves was also very appealing.

Most of the younger homeowners we have met tend to be minimalists and seek out kitchen cabinet styles that are sleek, clean, and without the finer woodwork found in more traditional kitchens.

2. Playful colors 

Customizing the color and surface pattern of your cabinets is an effective way to brighten up a kitchen design for younger couples. You can work with a local kitchen cabinet maker to create the sleek kitchen cabinets that appeal to younger homeowners. Older homeowners often choose neutral colors such as grey, yellow, and various forms of green. The younger homeowners tend to be more courageous with splashes of yellows and read. If you want a light atmosphere in your kitchen, then we recommend a combination of colors that include a few bursts of color. 

3. Honey Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Oak wood has been the staple for kitchen cabinetry for all generations. We has seen a departure to use hickory and pine during the 1990’s but most local kitchen cabinet makers have returned to using oak in recent years. Not all oak cabinets are the same. You can choose a modern simplistic look or a more traditional rustic kitchen look by using lighter color stains and clear urethanes. The great advantage of oak wood for kitchen cabinet design is its durability and availability. The material lasts a long time and is slower to show signs of wear and tear. It is also quite beautiful. If well designed, your oak wood kitchen cabinets can make your kitchen radiate with elegance. 

Redesigning your kitchen is a serious undertaking. If you are a younger homeowner planning for a family, you may want your kitchen to be child friendly and easy to clean. But most younger couples like to entertain in their homes as well. The modern kitchen design photo gallery shows off some sleek cabinetry designs and open shelving is what many younger homeowners appreciate.

3 Ways to Brighten Your Shore Home Kitchen

If you live at the shore or have a summer home there then you probably want it to feel like a peaceful escape. A dark and warm interior may be comforting on a snowy winter night but can feel too heavy for a beach home. Presenting a light and fun environment is key to achieving that relaxing coastal ambiance. One of the focal areas of any home is the kitchen, so creating the right feel there can set the tone for the rest of your house. Below are several ways to redesign this area of your summer sanctuary.

Open the Layout

Summertime is all about light and sun. You want to maximize the amount of light when you consider kitchen layout ideas. Keeping sight lines open to the main living area will help accomplish that. This is especially true if you have a beach view that can be seen from the kitchen. An island can provide necessary storage areas while allowing a more open view. They can also be made to have additional seating areas for your family or social gatherings.

Choose the Right Cabinets

If you are planning on an entire renovation for your summer home then wall cabinets for the kitchen will be one of the major considerations. There are several style directions you can go here but keeping with the light and fun feel is still a key aspect. Going with pure white cabinets will maximize the available light and allow you to add color with other elements. If you want to be a bit more adventurous and add a more coastal vibe then you can choose some shabby chic aqua or pastel cabinets. These will give a bright and fun atmosphere to your home.

Utilize Accents and Decor

If you want to start small and add some summer accents to your kitchen then start with these kitchen layout ideas from Princeton, Somerset NJ homeowners. Add a complementary backsplash to the walls. Glossy tile keeps everything feeling crisp and goes well with just about anything. You can also add splashes of pastel colors using light fixtures, chairs and dishes. Decorations with a beach theme can be a pleasant reminder that this is your shore haven, but don’t overdo it. Too much clutter will detract from the open and airy feel. Look around and be creative – decorating your kitchen space should be as fun as the beach itself.

No matter what the budget is for your shore home there are kitchen design plans for NJ shore houses that will suit it. From decorative accents to full-scale remodels you can have the summer kitchen that you’ve always wanted.

Modern Kitchen Ideas for the Young Professional

If you're a young professional who owns a home that needs updating, you may be salivating over some of the images you find on Houzz, This Old House or any of the other photo galleries online. From lighting and flooring to appliances and storage, there are many ways to modernize your kitchen. Here's a closer look at four popular modern kitchen ideas.

1. Flooring

Today's modern kitchens feature flooring that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable. Porcelain tile, natural stone, hard wood veneers and ceramic tiles in varying colors and textures provide long-term function and durability while complementing your other design choices, such as countertops and cabinets. If you're more interested in a rustic look, you might want to consider wide-plank wood flooring. If you love to cook and entertain, spending many hours in the kitchen, make sure you choose a flooring that gives you the underfoot support and the comfort you need.

2. Countertops

Countertops provide your all-important workspace where you get your food preparation done. Marble and granite countertops are the popular modern choices, particularly in white, grey and black colors. Their natural beauty, durability and easy-to-maintain surfaces make them well-suited to the rigors of food prep but also wowing your guests. As with flooring, you have a world of colors and styles to choose from. Consider pairing white marble countertops with white and glass cabinets for an ultra-modern monochromatic look.

3. Cabinets

Whether you plan on replacing or updating your cabinets, sleek kitchen cabinet styles immediately modernize your space. Clean, crisp lines and neutral colors are the hallmarks of a modern kitchen, and they translate well to cabinets. Consider white cabinets with shaker style doors for form and function, for example. Also, think about minimal or hidden handles and hardware that promote clean, sleek lines. If you're interested in updating your cabinets but would rather hire out the job to a professional, search online for a reputable kitchen remodeling contractor that does refurbishing of cabinets in your area. For example, search for "kitchen cabinet painting in NJ."

4. Storage

Proper storage allows you to modernize your kitchen by keeping non-essentials and clutter off your counters. Kitchen islands are a great way to create both work and storage spaces. For example, kitchen islands can incorporate some or all of the following features: deep sliding drawers for nesting pots and pans, built-in wine racks, open shelving for cookbooks, storage for smart appliances, bar-type seating, and cutting boards. If your kitchen layout doesn't support an island, perhaps there is an off kitchen pantry area that can be reconfigured for more storage.

If these ideas appeal to you, search online for "modern kitchen photo gallery." You'll find some additional ideas and details to help you transform your kitchen.

Kitchen Islands With or Without Seating

You take a great deal of pride in your home. It is often at the center of your life and your refuge from the worries of the outside world. For many, your how is a work in progress and there is always a list of improvements you wish to make. As the years pass, you have made some additions and to various rooms and outdoor spaces. These have gradually changed the look and appearance of your home, making it more suitable to your tastes. It is now time to tackle the heart of your home, the kitchen. You might have been planning to do this job for years, and now that you have finally marshalled the resources to make your vision a reality.

Most homeowners do not have the necessary kitchen design skills to transform a vision into a working blueprint. There are only a few kitchen designers in Morris County NJ that have the expertise with the high end kitchen appliances you desire. There is no shortage of remodeling experts that say they can turn your idea an executable plan, but do they actually share your vision? You may know of a few kitchen cabinet makers in New Jersey that can help with controlling material costs but what about the actual design? Even your deepest wishes must conform to what is practical. Popular today is incorporating kitchen islands designs with seating for 2-4 people. A designer can advise you on how to get the appearance and effect you want within the space you have in your kitchen.

Your kitchen is often the most important rooms in the house. It is the space in which you prepare meals and socialize with friends. It is the space in which you share fond memories with key people in your life as you sit down to have breakfast or lunch. It is essential that the layout of the space conforms exactly to your specifications. You want a kitchen that you will be proud to work in and show off to your friends. You can get this kind of kitchen by working with a high-end kitchen remodeling expert that has design skills.

Tobias Design has a kitchen and bath showroom in Princeton NJ that shows off an expertise in design. The designers will spend quality time with you listening intently to your vision. Using state of the art design software, they can transform your desires into a virtual replication and together you can select colors, styles, appliances and materials with the satisfaction that you are working with an expert in her craft.

This is a high level of service, and it is not something you can expect from all kitchen designers. Since they have designed many kitchen islands with seating over the years, they have some serious experience you can benefit from for your design. They have no shortage of kitchen island ideas with seating and have transformed lifeless kitchens into artful masterpieces over the years.

Remodeling your kitchen is a big deal. It can be a huge investment and requires some serious planning. Choosing a solid kitchen designer near your home that has a solid reputation takes more in-depth evaluation than a simple Google search. Ask friends, read reviews and interview several high-end kitchen designers before making this choice.

Designing an Upscale Kitchen for Wheelchair Accessibility

Creating a custom kitchen can make the most important room in your home both functional and stylish, but what if you want the latest updates that allow for aging in place? According to the US Census Bureau, about 22 percent of people over 65 have difficulty with mobility, and that number is expected to grow. The good news is that you do not have to sacrifice smart technology, top-brand products, or high-end materials for these universal design improvements. That means you can have the custom kitchen of your dreams equipped to accommodate your needs now and in the future. Here are a few essentials to consider for accessible kitchen design.

A Counter Argument

Premium counter tops in barrier-free kitchens can be lowered for wheelchair access or built in a multi-level fashion to function well for any degree of ability. Look for your favorite materials from marble to quartz and even concrete in a height that works for you.

Smarter Storage

Cabinets are another smart way to give a kitchen functionality for aging in place or mobility concerns. Talk to your contractor about ADA height recommendations, or, better yet, ask about motorized wall cabinets that can easily lower to reach items and then raise back in place. Looped pulls or D-shaped handles can add both style and purpose, making cabinets easier to open. Incorporating accessible kitchen cabinets into your plan is a must for those with mobility challenges.

Clearance Granted

Another concern for most accessible kitchen designers in NJ is reaching cook tops and sinks with ease. Providing clearance for wheelchairs under these units is essential in maintaining independence in a kitchen. Faux cabinet doors under a sink or cook top will allow the user to conceal this modification when not in use and roll under the sink when the doors retract.

An Easy Touch

Consider other aspects of functionality, such as the sink faucet or cook top control positions, when designing a universal kitchen. A single-lever faucet or a hands-free smart faucet can make using the sink easier for people with motor function limitations, as can front or side knobs on ranges to ensure safety while cooking.

Applied Science

For years, wheelchair accessible kitchens have included such features as drawer-style dishwashers, pull-out shelves in cabinets, built-in spice racks and cutting boards, and even under-counter microwave ovens to declutter counters and add a sleeker look. These same features are perfect for aging in place because they add functionality and easy access. During training, most ADA compliant kitchen designers learn about these essential modifications.