Kitchen Cabinets and Appliances for the Gourmet

Some like their kitchens super simple. Others dream of having a cooking space fit for a gourmet. If you belong to the latter, this post is for you! We’re running down gourmet kitchen appliances and cabinet must-haves to help you achieve your dream kitchen.

What’s In A Gourmet Kitchen?

Generally, gourmet kitchens are more equipped than regular ones. The goal of this space is to help you prepare dishes more efficiently and provide storage for your cooking arsenal and ingredients. Whether it’s your childhood dream to have a professional-looking kitchen complete with custom kitchen cabinets or you simply wish to improve how you cook food at home, this list can serve as your guide for your gourmet kitchen design.

Professional-Grade Range

Before you go on to choose elegant yet functional kitchen cabinet materials, you have to first tick off a big essential to any kitchen — the cooking range. If you want to go gourmet, opt for a professional-grade range that offers durability and versatility. And if you’re really serious about cooking (and baking), you should also consider getting a double oven and a convection microwave.

Sinks

Properly washing dishes and pots is an important responsibility of any cook. It keeps your kitchen tidy and hygienic. For gourmet kitchens, having a deep sink is standard because it accommodates large pots. Undermount sinks are also staples. These types of sinks, which have no protruding lips and are seamlessly mounted under the countertop material, allow easy sweeping of food scraps.

Custom cabinetry

If you look at gourmet kitchens, you may notice the use of cabinets made rift sawn white oak cabinets. The grain direction matters and adds significant aesthetic value to a rather serious-looking gourmet kitchen space. Apart from choosing sturdy material, you should also go for a custom cabinetry design to cater to your unique needs. For instance, you may need separate storage for your collection of herbs and spices.

Gourmet island

Kitchen islands are space-maximizers. A double island kitchen layout screams gourmet. When cleverly and aesthetically designed, it can even act as the focal point of your gourmet kitchen. If your space can accommodate it, incorporating a kitchen island with stools or chairs help family and friends connect while the gourmet chef prepares your meal.

Refrigerator/s

While many smart, stand-alone units are available in the market today, some gourmet kitchen owners also opt for a second fridge (typically placed nearby their pantry areas). Others invest in another refrigerator drawer integrated into the island for easy access to drinks and other kitchen ingredients.

Easy-to-clean countertops and backsplashes

Apart from having long-lasting cabinetry like quarter sawn wood cabinets, you also have to pay attention to the materials you’ll choose for your countertop and backsplash. From quartz to ceramic tiles, you have several options to choose from to help elevate the look and functionality of your kitchen space. You also have to consider their resistance to stain, water, and chemicals, and their ease of maintenance.

Task lighting

You won’t be able to maximize your gourmet kitchen appliances without an appropriate lighting system. Besides having a main light source, you must equip your kitchen with under-cabinet lighting and pendants to help you perform tasks in different zones within your space.

Building A Hospital Requires Serious Design Skills

Designing and building a hospital is a complex task. Many factors have to be considered even before construction begins. The proper choice of materials, including wall protection panels, corner guards, metal handrails and other architectural products for building interiors should also be considered to ensure the building’s durability, functionality, safety, and hygiene in the long run.

What Makes A Good Hospital Design

To make the most of any healthcare building, you must have a good hospital design.

Defined spaces. Several people come and go to hospitals for several reasons. Apart from patients and their support team, you also must cater to the healthcare professionals and other staff working in your building. Therefore, when designing a hospital, you need to be intentional in defining different spaces. From the concierge and parking drop-offs, emergency entrances, specialty wards, to the waiting areas and patient rooms, each requires attention to the details.

Accessibility. When building a hospital, overall client experience for all types of patrons must be top of mind. Apart from having well-defined and aptly designed spaces, keep in mind the accessibility of these areas. Can people with disabilities easily navigate all areas? How large are your elevators and how wide are your halls and staircases? Being well-lit is important and will help minimize accidents and injuries.

Health and safety. From investing in good expansion joint covers & systems and wall protection panels for healthcare facilities to strategically placing fire extinguishers and other safety features, you have to take several actions to guarantee that your hospital remains a safe place for its users.

Welcoming and calming elements. Hospitals use durable construction materials to ensure their longevity. But you also have to incorporate warm, natural materials to usher in the sense of calm to patients, guardians, and your workforce. You may even install artwork and other visual elements that can commemorate cultural ethos while offering an air of reassurance to people.

Strengthening The Very Walls Of Your Hospital

When you’re constructing a hospital, you should never compromise structural integrity. Your team should focus on the property assembly and installation of expansion joint covers & systems.

Expansion joints, in a nutshell, comprise a separation in a wall and a flexible material. This material is typically a bond breaker or a sealant. Also called movement joints, they are designed to allow movement due to earthquakes, absorb vibration and temperature-induced material expansion and contraction.

If this component of your hospital is poorly designed and constructed, your walls will be more susceptible to cracks and other forms of damage. In turn, this weakens the very integrity of your building, which is hazardous to all people inside and immediately around the building.

Besides these joints, architectural facades, wall protection, even phenolic wall panels are integral parts of the building design. With the help of wall protection, you can minimize wall damage. If not addressed, these damages can be costly for a building as busy as a hospital. More importantly, cracks, scrapes, and dents can be a breeding ground for pathogens.

With the diligent work from architectural product specifiers, you can ensure a hygienic environment, control wall maintenance expenses, and reduce downtime and closure of certain designated spaces due to maintenance.

Decorating for The Holidays is Now Stress Free

There are a lot of reasons to look forward to the holiday season. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It brings families together. It’s a time when people exchange gifts and cards, enjoy hearty meals, and bask in heartwarming, twinkling holiday lights. But if you’re in charge of decorating, getting the ambiance set up can be stressful. To make your holidays stress-free, hiring professional holiday light installers is one of the things that you can do.

Why Hire Professional Christmas light service?

There’s nothing quite like seeing a well-decorated, safely-illuminated home during the holidays. A nicely decorated home sparks joy and blessings for the season. But if you want your home to be one of the nicest decorated homes on the block, you will need to consider several things. From start to finish, success is in the details.

Therefore, hiring a professional Christmas light installation company really makes sense. Here are some of the perks you can enjoy.

You’ll save time. The holiday season is a busy time for many people — especially those who want to decorate their homes elaborately. But even if you just want a simple light presentation, finding the time to do the work is challenging. Hiring professionals is for a great solution for the busy homeowner. The team at Christmas Décor are experienced and efficient at what they do. And because they know how to choose the right lights and install them properly, you can avoid experiencing costly consequences such as fire incidents, tangled wires and having the right equipment.

You can avoid electrical shorts and potential fire hazards. Did you know that while Christmas is a season of merry-making, it’s also a season where many fire incidents occur? It’s primarily because of poorly installed or defective holiday lights. When you DIY decorating tasks, you run the risk of overloading breakers. The best way to prevent this is to hire a professional who can inspect and safely install lights.

You can achieve your dream holiday look for your home. A professional Christmas light service aren’t just pros when it comes to the technicality of these things. They also would have a creative eye to help you develop a striking presentation. You can even request custom designs and finally bring your visions to life with the help of a residential Christmas decorating service. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about taking the installation down because they’ll also do it for you.

Finding The Right Christmas Light Installers

Hiring a pro to install your Christmas lights can be the best decision you’ll make this holiday season. But how do you find the best ones in your area?

First off, you have to start your search early. Most crews get very busy come November. Decide in late summer which team you wish to use and book them in advance.

Now, when finding the best professional Christmas light service in Bucks County for you, you have to make sure that their services cover your needs. You can save more money and time if you are repeat customers and stay with the same design as last year.

Ask your circle (family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors) to narrow down your choices. You can further validate the kind of service that a company offers by looking at their customer reviews on Google. Enjoy your holidays this year and stay safe!

Kitchen Design for the Country Home

Warm, comfortable, and inviting. These words best describe a country home. And at the heart of this residential space is a fully functional country-style kitchen. When you visit a kitchen design center, you’d observe that country kitchens tend to focus on the use of natural materials — from wooden beams, cabinets, and furniture to an accent wall punctuated by bricks. These kitchens are also characterized by high ceilings and huge windows for a barn-like feel.

Are you designing a country-inspired kitchen for your home? Here are a few designing and decorating tips, plus some useful ideas to help you out.

Take note that farmhouse sinks are a staple. A country or farmhouse kitchen design isn’t complete without that huge, deep sink. It’s not only visually striking — but it also provides ample space to cater to many sink-related activities (e.g., washing dishes and ingredient washing).

Invest in a statement island. Farmhouse sinks are just one part of the equation. Another distinctive component of a modern white farmhouse kitchen is a large kitchen island with stools or chairs. A kitchen island with seating lets you maximize your kitchen space while giving a more communal feel to your kitchen.

Bring in a farmhouse table. If your space allows, having a farmhouse table is highly recommended. More than being a place to eat, it transforms this part of your home into a wholesome place where you can forge stronger bonds with your family members and guests.

Install open kitchen shelving. If you ask any professional kitchen designer in NJ, another way to make your kitchen country-inspired is to install open shelving here and there. Bring those pots and jars out and display them on a shelf (typically made from barn wood). This will provide easy access to your kitchen essentials while serving as an aesthetic accent to your space.

Keep the beams exposed. It’s not only the shelves that are often exposed in country kitchens. If you look at the ceiling, you’ll notice that big wooden beams are also a staple in a country kitchen. They lend a rustic charm to your kitchen and can make your space even more welcoming.

Dress up an accent wall. If you don’t want your kitchen to look boring, having an accent wall is what some professional kitchen designers like to recommend. And if you’re eyeing a country-style kitchen, you have two main options: Install bricks on that wall or dress it up with reclaimed wood.

Add a few vintage elements. You don’t always have to go big when making a country-inspired kitchen. As in any place of your home, even the smallest details matter. Got a few stoneware canisters or glass mason jars? Store it on one of your open shelves. Do you own a collection of vintage country collectables? It’s high time to put them on display.

Set the mood with pendant lights. To further add visual warmth, quality overhead lighting is a must. Pendant lights are common in many country kitchens because they’re aesthetically appealing, they also act as task lighting, helping you perform kitchen activities safely and more conveniently.

Don’t be afraid to add pops of color. While the white-and-wood scheme is a popular choice in any country kitchen design center, it doesn’t mean that you can’t add bold and bright hues to your kitchen design. Especially if it resonates with your personality, don’t be afraid to paint those cabinets blue, yellow, or even a few red callouts. But if you want a tamer choice, you can add some more character to your space and spruce things up by bringing in indoor plants.

Once The Tree is Removed - Grass or Gardens Grow

When a tree is sick or badly hit by a storm, hiring the right tree removal service in Bucks County is a must. However, you may also need this kind of service when your tree’s canopy hinders the growth of the plants shaded by that tree.

How Shady Landscapes Affect Plant Growth

In elementary science, we’ve learned that sunlight is an essential factor in the growth of plants. Photosynthesis must take place. It is the process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen to fortify the air we breathe.

Having shady landscapes can be really tough to deal with from the homeowner’s perspective. Many landscaping companies in Bucks County comment that too much shade can negatively impact how well your gardens grow. Without adequate sunlight, your plants will start to lose their natural color, drop their leaves, and experience stunted growth.

Shady landscapes also struggle with moisture control. Either too damp or too dry. Either way, it’s not healthy for your plants. Like sunlight, too much or too little moisture can stress your plantings out and negatively affect their development.

Why Removing Some Trees Matters

There are different tips and tricks that landscaping companies in Bucks County use to manage shady landscapes. These include:

• Selecting and growing plants that are more suitable for your growing conditions

• Mulching to help keep the soil moist enough to allow proper plant growth

• Trimming your trees periodically to minimize shade

But if you’re looking for a more straightforward and cost-effective solution to combat heavy shade, getting rid of the source of that shade is key. The actual process of removing tall trees can be too dangerous for the average homeowner. We recommend you call professionals who offer tree removal and landscaping services in Langhorne.

Once trees are successfully removed, you’re not only getting rid of the shade that hinder plant growth. Additionally, you’re opening up a space where you can plant more — and allow your new (and more mature) plants to receive their much-needed sunlight. This often results in you having a thriving garden that’s more refreshing to look at.

Hiring Professional Tree Removal Services

As mentioned, removing the trees yourself is quite challenging. When you hire professionals who specialize in removing trees and landscaping combined, you can benefit from the following:

A wholistic approach to tree removal and what to do with the land below the tree.

The right tools and equipment to tackle this job.

Expertise in plant selection, garden development, land management and drainage challenges.

Creative eye for adding decorative elements (e.g., rocks, bricks) to guarantee that your newly revamped garden does add aesthetic value to your property.

Maintenance services to maintain the upkeep of your garden

An old saying goes — when one door closes, another one opens. In the case of landscaping, once a tree with a heavy shade is removed, a beautiful garden blooms. And for you to do just that, hiring the best tree removal service in Newtown is a must.

Common Drainage Problems & What To Do About Them

A well-maintained backyard can enhance your everyday life at home and boost your property’s aesthetic and market value. Gardens can be used for many purposes. In it, you can plant flowers, vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees, host intimate gatherings with loved ones, or simply enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. But if you are hindered from enjoying your own backyard by mosquitos. Puddles after it rains or flower beds that are always wet, you may need the help of drainage contractors in Bucks County, to address those common challenges.. 

Signs Of Yard Drainage Issues

According to providers of irrigation repair services we have spoken to, the most common sign that your yard has drainage issues is the presence of pooling or standing water. It indicates that your drainage system is clogged or damaged and unable to perform its job. 

Other signs include the following:

Waterlogged soil can cause the roots of your plants to rot and stunt their growth or worse, cause them to die. 

Soggy plants

Overgrown patches of grass in random areas

Water stains found in the foundation of your house

Common Drainage Problems And How To Fix Them

These are the most typical yard drainage problems you may encounter.

Stagnant water. First off, make sure that the water isn’t coming from your house itself. If the root cause is connected to your drainage, then you should seek professional help from a drainage contractor. They can help you fix issues like excessively compacted soil or natural underground springs that may cause extra moisture in your yard. One typical solution is to excavate in or around the affected area, fill it with a soil-and-gravel mixture, and install drainage landscaping capable of absorbing more water than others. 

Inadequate or poor yard grading. More than having stagnant water in your yard, poor soil grading can cause basement flooding that can consequently impact your home’s structural integrity. One solution for this is to install a sump pump. An erosion control company can install a drain that is designed to direct water away from your property and your garden. 

Flood in your patio and yard paths. When your yard isn’t properly graded, it can also lead to patio and path flooding. To fix it, consider using a landscaping contractor near me to install stepping stones to your existing paths to allow rainwater to pass through them and be redirected away from your pathway. You can also install a catch basin, which will facilitate the flow of rainwater from your yard to your underground drain. 

Soil erosion. Erosion in yards is commonly indicated by soil runoff and fissure formations. If runoff water is causing the topsoil of your garden to erode, yard drainage companies recommend adding more hardscape features (e.g., rocks and pebbles) in erosion-prone areas. You can also edge garden beds with gravel to help keep mulch or soil coverings in place. Mulch is used to help retain moisture in the soil.

Kitchen Design Trends: Why You Should Not Be Afraid To Mix And Match

New kitchens have become some of the largest investments that homeowners make in their homes. After all, the kitchen is considered the heart of a home. The way you design it and keep it functional says a lot about you and your lifestyle. But if you ask any kitchen designer in South Jersey, achieving your dream kitchen can be a daunting task. There are just too many styles and trends to choose from. 

The solution? Try to Mix and Match. 

A quick look on Pinterest and Instagram would show you a host of kitchen images that feature light wood floors with dark cabinets, or white and stainless steel appliances. These two are just some of the most common mix-and-match trends that many homeowners incorporate in their kitchens. 

Here are the top reasons why you should not be afraid to combine colors, styles, and materials when it comes to designing one of the most important parts of your home 

It Widens your Options

Kitchens need to be designed with great care and attention to detail as they serve different purposes. From cooking, eating, to entertaining and even a classroom today, the kitchen has many functions. This means that kitchens should be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. However, sticking to just one style can limit what you can do with your kitchen space. 

For instance, if you want to embrace modern kitchen technology, you can have more liberty if you veer away from a monochromatic white theme. By mixing white and stainless steel appliances, you can still create a stylish kitchen while keeping it functional and convenient to use. 

It adds contrast and character to your kitchen

Mix-and-match trends also give you the chance to unleash your creativity. You can be bold while retaining classic kitchen elements that are bound to be fab even after many years. This will help make your kitchen more unique to your character. For instance, you can a bright-colored refrigerator if you want to make your seemingly bland kitchen look more vibrant. You can further complement it with kitchen chair fabrics with bold colors or patterns. 

Mixing and matching can also simply mean adding appealing contrasts to your kitchen design. Instead of having both dark cabinets and floors, you can create a more aesthetically interesting kitchen if you choose for lighter colors for your flooring system — it could be white, natural blond wood tones, or even light gray. 

It can be used to spotlight certain kitchen design elements

For a kitchen designer in South Jersey, having focal points is important to prevent your kitchen from looking too overwhelming or cluttered. For instance, if you drew attention to a custom range hood, backsplash design or bold colors for your kitchen island with chairs, you can turn a lackluster design into the talk of the town. Or if you have a unique pattern for your flooring, you can elevate its aesthetics by installing two-toned cabinets. 

While it’s good to follow the basic rules of kitchen design, it doesn’t mean that you can bend them a little to add some drama to your space. No matter how you mix and match styles, colors, and materials for your kitchen, you shouldn't choose options that diminish functionality. And that the final output is one that truly reflects your preferences and suits your needs.

Keeping Your Trees Healthy With Proper Trimming Techniques

Trees offer a wealth of short and long-term benefits. From a sustainability standpoint, they are natural air purifiers absorbing the carbon dioxide you and I expel and fill our environment with life sustaining oxygen. They don’t just produce oxygen; they utilize our CO2 for their own life force and minimize greenhouse gases in the process. Trees also provide shade for animals, humans, homes and even help reduce our stress as we rest comfortably in their shade. Trees are just as alive and necessary to our existence as the water we drink. 

As their limbs grow, they can get damaged by various plant diseases over time. If not properly trimmed in a healthy way by a professional tree removal service, their health can deteriorate. 

Just as important as tree trimming is providing your landscaping trees with a dose of  deep root tree fertilization to keep the roots as healthy as the limbs. As regular pruning and fertilization fosters healthy growth of your trees, you reap the benefits tenfold from the oxygen they provide while also beautifying your neighborhood. They are definitely part of our circle of life.

Proper Trimming Techniques

Pruning is performed to remove dead or dying branches. It also helps improve the light and air circulation in your garden. 

When it comes to pruning thin and small limbs, experts advise us cutting them from about a quarter inch above a new bud as it orients towards the outside of the tree. Take note that you should also cut most branches at a 45-degree angle. 

This technique encourages better growth for any new limbs. These new limbs will also be more resistant to diseases and water damage as they age. Most qualified arborists recommend older, damaged branches be removed properly from your trees annually. 

Tackling thicker branches is a little more complex.

It involves making the first cut at least about 18 inches above the trunk starting at the underside of the branch. Keep in mind that the cut should only be done halfway through the branch’s diameter. 

The second cut at the top side of the branch should be about 1 inch from the first cut aiming your tool 45 degrees in a downward direction towards cut number one. 

Find the trunk’s branch collar, which refers to the stem tissue located at the base of the branch that you’re removing to begin your measurement. This is characterized by a rougher bark texture and a subtle swelling. 

Perform the final cut at a 45-degree angle well outside the branch collar.

This maintenance task is best performed during late winter. This dormant season is ideal because it encourages new growth in time for spring. And because there aren’t leaves on the branches, you’ll be able to inspect if a branch better and determine if the branch is healthy or needs to be trimmed. 

Fertilizing Your Trees

In addition to trimming and pruning trees, deep root fertilization every is recommended annually to keep your trees healthy. Tree fertilization provides nutrients and minerals designed to encourage the healthy growth of your trees. In most Northern areas, the best time to fertilize trees is from fall to the middle of spring. 

To maximize the potency of a fertilizer, make sure that you’re fertilizing the entire root system. It must also be placed beneath any surrounding plants and grass don’t compete with your trees for nutrients. 

Why Hire A Tree Removal Service

Trimming trees can be dangerous, depending upon the height of the tree. It also takes the right tools, skills, and a keen eye to identify the branches that needs to be trimmed. The difficulty of pruning also depends on what kind of tree you’re dealing with. Each species has its own trimming protocol. 

Additionally, there’s the fertilization chemistry can be daunting. A properly trained tree removal company in Newtown like DKC Landscaping is often has access to an arborist to help them blend the right mix of fertilizer, tree nutrients, phosphates and chemistry PH for the trees they are treating. Too much of any one component can be hazardous to the tree itself and the animals that may call your yard home. Finally, make sure the company hire also has the proper credentials, insurance, and a proven track record. Especially if you need a tree removal service for emergencies. When people are rushed, they don’t think about asking for credentials, they just want the problem resolved.

Farmhouse Kitchen Design Ideas You Can Try Today

There’s a certain kind of warmth, coziness, and approachable appeal that you can find in farmhouse kitchens. A farmhouse kitchen design is typically characterized by using natural materials like local hardwood and the spaciousness of countertops and sinks (which are meant to accommodate generous family meals). Farmhouse style kitchens also feature vintage kitchen accessories and country decor. 

If you ask any professional kitchen designer in NJ, a farmhouse kitchen’s inviting atmosphere makes it popular among many homeowners. For homeowners who spend most of their time in the kitchen, it’s particularly appealing because it offers a serene space where they can prepare hearty dishes for their loved ones. 

But how do you design a kitchen in a farmhouse style? Here are a few design ideas you can try. 

Stick with a neutral color palette. If you go to any designer kitchen and bath showroom and ask the kitchen designer about farmhouse style colors, you will notice the dominant colors are off whites, wood tones, earthy yellows, rustic reds, browns and black. A combination of these makes for a homey kitchen atmosphere. 

Consider wide plank floors. Because flooring commands plenty of real estate f in your kitchen, your choice of flooring system is critical to making or breaking your farmhouse style kitchen design. The most commonly used floors for this type of kitchen are distressed wide wood plank flooring per this kitchen planner in New Jersey. The hue of the wood and material (it can be pine with a pale wash or walnut hardwood) depends on the overall color scheme of your space. Dark wood cabinets with light wood floors are a great look.

Invest in reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood has its own appeal. And it fits right into the aesthetic of a farmhouse kitchen. You can use reclaimed barn wood for your table, chairs, and shelving. 

Throw in a few rustic cushions. Communal seating is another charming feature of a farmhouse kitchen. And if you’re working with a professional kitchen designer in NJ, you’ll probably get this advice: Make your benches and chairs feel more comfortable and look cozier by investing in some fabric cushions with rustic red and brown colors for that bench. 

Incorporate open shelving. Another noticeable feature among farmhouse kitchens is exposed shelving. This doesn’t just make certain kitchen items more accessible; it also gives you a chance to showcase vintage kitchen accessories and dinnerware. 

Install a real farmhouse pantry. To add some farmhouse authenticity to your kitchen, you should definitely consider adding a farmhouse pantry to store your kitchen supplies, ingredients, and dry goods. For storage, consider baskets and apothecary jars displayed on your shelves. You can also add a cottage ladder if your space permits. 

Choose a deep and wide sink. As initially mentioned, farmhouse kitchens tend to accommodate large meals. We remember doing a farmhouse kitchen with stainless steel appliances that had a copper farmhouse sink that was custom made that became the talk of the neighborhood. 

These little accents are also found in the form of cabinet and door hardware and lighting fixtures. 

Brushed bronze and iron lighting fixtures can set a nice country tone in your kitchen. While a farmhouse kitchen design may be abundant in natural light, at nighttime it gets dark on a farm. Many farmhouse kitchens use metal for their lighting fixtures. As stated above, kitchens with this charming interior design style have plenty of rustic accents. And there’s no better way to showcase that than through your overhead lights.

Kitchen Cabinets & ADA Compliant Kitchens

Passed in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect people with disabilities (PWDs) from discrimination. This comprehensive law also covers how the kitchen — the very heart of a home — should have barrier-free layouts among other accommodations so that even PWDs can freely and safely access and use it. Homeowners and kitchen designers that want to have an ADA kitchen design, you must pay special attention to cabinets, thresholds, counter heights, roll under appliances and the like which are essential to making any kitchen space functional. 

This article discusses the cabinets that make it easier for a PWD — especially for someone in a wheelchair — to utilize a kitchen. 

Kitchen cabinet dimension. When designing and constructing kitchen cabinets that are ADA-compliant, dimensions are critical. The overall cabinet height should be 32.5 inches. On the other hand, at minimum, the toe kick (or the space beneath the bottom cabinet where the cabinet hangs over) should be 9 inches. If the area where the cabinet is installed also has a sink, make sure that the sink should be installed 28 inches to 34 inches from the floor. 

Placement above the flooring. The kitchen flooring starts from the edge of the toe kick in a regular kitchen. But if you want your kitchen to be wheelchair user-friendly, the cabinets should be placed above the flooring itself. If you resort to a more conventional way, a minimum 9-inch height is required beneath the toe kick will be reduced. Your contractor should install the flooring first before the cabinets. 

Shelf space and organization. An ADA kitchen design requires 50% of a cabinet’s shelving space to be accessible. To maximize the interior space of a cabinet, experts recommend having pull-out drawers that PWDs can easily access. There are also slide-out cabinet organizers that make it easier for PWDs to access kitchen supplies and cookware — they don’t have to reach into the back part of the cabinet because this type of organizer will move toward the PWD themselves. In other ADA-compliant kitchens, cabinets come with a solid draw covering that can double as a cutting board for a person using a wheelchair. We installed a copper farmhouse sink once that included cutting boards are part of the unit.

Hardware. It’s not only the height and shelving that matter when fitting your kitchen with PWD-friendly cabinets. You also have to focus on the cabinet hardware. Make sure that you only attach handles and knobs that a person with a disability can quickly grab. You can also incorporate a railing in your cabinets to facilitate better mobility. Apart from the cabinets themselves, you also have to make doors, drawers, pantries, and even storage bins easy to open. 

Overall kitchen space. Kitchen cabinet makers in Princeton NJ are at the core of a functional and ergonomic kitchen in New Jersey, especially for PWDs — including those who use wheelchairs. However, it’s important to know that, first and foremost, your kitchen mobility lanes should be at least 40 inches wide before it can be considered ADA-compliant. You also have to maximize your overall kitchen space by creating specified functional zones. This means that you have to zone your kitchen per activity (e.g., storage zone, washing up zone, food preparation zone, meal consumption zone) to make it easier for PWDs to navigate the kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials That Contractors Love

Solid cabinetry is one of the essential components of a functional and beautiful kitchen. Ask any local cabinet maker and you’ll learn that some cabinet materials are favored more than others. 

Quality, durability, and versatility play a huge part in how craftsmen choose the best materials for kitchen cabinets. And if you’re wondering which materials to purchase for your kitchen construction or remodeling project, we’ve got you covered. Here are some cabinet materials that contractors love. 

Original Hardwood. Known for its durability and classic appeal, solid hardwood exudes luxury. Some of the most commonly used hardwoods for kitchen cabinets includes cherry, oak, maple, walnut, and birch. These high-end wood materials are typically available in semi-custom and custom kitchen cabinetry options. Each type of wood has its different color variations and natural textures — which you can custom cut and finish to get the aesthetics that you want (e.g. Rustic, contemporary). 

Natural Softwood. If you want your kitchen to have a farm- or country-style appeal, softwood cabinet materials are the way to go. Popular choices are pine, cedar, and spruce — which are lighter or paler in color compared with traditional hardwoods. Keep in mind that their softer surface makes them more vulnerable to dents and moisture. 

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Made of pressurized fibers from recycled wood, MDF board is a good choice if you’re looking for a cabinet material that can withstand peeling and cracking. Most often MDF is used as an inside cabinet material, where natural first cut wood doors are used to finish the cabinet. Because MDF is easy to paint over, it gives property owners that much-needed versatility when it comes to aesthetics. 

Cabinet-grade Plywood. Many local cabinet makers prefer plywood because it’s economical and highly resistant to moisture. Compared to MDF, it also has greater stability, thanks to its composition: each layer or board is glued sandwich-style using a special adhesive. 

Stainless steel. Giving a more modern or commercial appeal to your kitchen, stainless steel is a material that comes in ready-to-assemble or semi-custom options. They’re mostly used in commercial settings because of their high resistance to moisture. The downside is that it won't give you the certain warm, homey aesthetic appeal that wood materials evoke. 

What Are The Different Cabinet Quality Grades

There are various options if you’re looking for the best materials for kitchen cabinets. But apart from picking which type of material you’ll use for your dream kitchen; you should also decide which quality grade you will utilize. 

The four main categories are Ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom, and custom.

RTA cabinets, as the name implies, are designed for DIY kitchen improvement projects. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, these can be assembled and installed even without the help of professionals. 

Stock cabinets, on the other hand, are already constructed from modular units and arrive at your home pre-sized. Compared to RTAs, they’re available in a wider variety. However, keep in mind that sizes are already fixed, so you can’t alter them to fit into your available space without some carpentry skills. 

If you’re looking for more variety and something that can be modified, semi-custom kitchen cabinets are for you. Semi-customs don’t just allow size adjustments once the order has been placed but are often better made by skilled cabinet makers. 

Custom made kitchen cabinets are the superior choice among the four categories but also the priciest. Custom cabinet makers will customize your cabinets including your preferred material, style, finishing, plus, accessories. 

It is hard to find local kitchen cabinet makers today. Many of the custom cabinet makers in New Jersey got gobbled up by larger cabinet manufacturers. The best place to buy kitchen cabinets today are through a kitchen designer that has those relationships already established.

Kitchen Layouts for Homeowners in Wheelchairs

In the US, more than 30 million people use a wheelchair whether it’s a manual or electric one. Accessibility design and construction professionals strategically create spaces that combine form and functionality while aiding the mobility challenged. As kitchens remain one of the most vital parts of a home, many homeowners who have or are living with someone who has mobility impairments can tap a wheelchair access kitchen designer to help them create a safe and convenient-to-navigate kitchen. 

In this guide, we’re providing you seven helpful tips on how to design a kitchen accessible to people in wheelchairs. 

Make sure there’s ample space for the wheelchair to navigate around corners. Even if you have a small kitchen, you can still make it work for wheelchair users. One popular way is to choose a peninsula kitchen layout that is free from cabinetry under the extended dining corner and the sink. In this design, a peninsula is affixed to a wall or an adjacent countertop. A peninsula island kitchen design allows for access on three sides. It also helps create an area where many activities can be done from a single position. 

Be mindful of countertop heights. Typically, countertops have a height of 36 inches. For a wheelchair accessible kitchen, the height should be two inches lower. This is the proven comfortable height for people using wheelchairs or walkers. 

Leave an open space beneath your kitchen sink. Whether you’re opting for a peninsula kitchen layout or double island kitchen, this is one thing you shouldn’t forget. Having an open space underneath the sink allows wheelchair users to easily access the sink area. To do this, you have to position the drain in the rear of the sink so that the pipework is located at the back (instead of the typical middle). For sinks to be wheelchair-friendly, it’s also better to equip them with single-lever or touch-control faucets. 

Leverage the functionality and convenience of pull-out shelves. For wheelchair users’ convenience, you should also incorporate pull-out shelves as your overall storage solution. If you want to maximize vertical space while keeping your kitchen accessible, consider investing in adjustable kitchen cabinets. 

Install kitchen appliances at a height that they can easily access. Experts recommend installing kitchen appliances at a lower height — specifically, they should be located about 31 inches from the floor. In relation to this, you should also place your electrical outlets in a more accessible position (no lower than 15 inches from the floor). Switches and thermostats, on the other hand, must be placed no higher than 48 inches from the floor. 

Secure adequate lighting and ventilation. When designing kitchens for people in wheelchairs, you can further guarantee their convenience and safety by making sure that the space is well-lit and ventilated. There should be enough windows or light and air sources so that they can easily navigate through the kitchen and perform activities with ease. 

Widen your doorway and hallway. In a traditional kitchen, a doorway is 36-inch wide. If you are getting a kitchen design in Bergan County NJ, ask for an expert wheelchair accessible kitchen designer that truly has some experience. In many modern spaces, homeowners are resorting to an open floor plan to minimize mobility limitations.

Bathroom Designs for Couples: 6 Things To Consider

Your own bathroom should be your own private haven. But it becomes a different story once you live with a partner and start sharing this space with them. If you want your couple’s bathroom to have a stylish yet functional his and hers bathroom design, here are the top six things you need to consider. 

Space availability. Compared with a bathroom for a bachelor or bachelorette, a his and hers bathroom has more design considerations. And for your ideas to come to fruition, you will need to have enough space. 

When you look at great modern traditional bathroom designs, every element has its purpose and is properly laid out. For it to happen, you will need to know the exact dimensions you have so you can come up with a functional floor plan. 

Your needs and non-negotiables. While you as a couple may have common needs and wants — for instance, a smart toilet or a glass enclosed shower — it’s inevitable to have individual non-negotiables. Do you prefer to have separate sinks and vanity cabinets? Do you want to have a heated mirror, so it won’t fog up while someone shaves while the other takes a shower? Considering your personal preferences and listing them down is key to achieving a perfect couple’s bathroom. 

The theme you want. Do you want a natural bathroom designs that are healing? How about a French provincial look oozing with warmth and romance? If you have varying style preferences, do you want to have them combined or opt for a neutral look that’s timeless and easy to renovate? Whichever style you prefer, don’t ever compromise the quality of materials that you’ll use. And to make your bathroom truly yours, don’t forget to showcase the couple’s bathroom decor that speaks to your personality as a couple. 

Bathroom technology. Today’s bathrooms have become more advanced, sophisticated, and convenient. Considering and weighing each other’s needs and wants, you can incorporate several extras in your bathroom design. For instance, you can request heated floors for a cozy feel. You can equip your bathroom with a smart toilet or a shower that lets you control water pressure. 

Storage solutions. Having a his and hers bathroom entails having more need for adequate storage space. For your private sanctuary to be truly relaxing, it has to be free of clutter. This is why when you’re creating a bathroom for you and your partner, you have to be wise with how you’d incorporate cabinets, shelving, and even hidden, technology-assisted storage spaces. 

Your budget. Curious how much a bathroom remodel will cost you? From essential bathroom fixtures to personalized bathroom decor, you have to include all your expenditure in a budget plan. This will help you monitor your spending and prevent exceeding the budget you’ve previously allocated. Because a couple’s bathroom can be considered an investment, you’d want every penny that you spend to be truly worth it. 

Create the Perfect Bathroom for You and Your Partner

Want to create a his and hers bathroom design that fits you and your partner? Tobias Design are bathroom designers in NJ that can turn your ideas and wishes into a reality that’s truly reflective of who are as a couple. They’re an expert in producing modern traditional bathroom designs that marry aesthetics and functionality. 

Wood Flooring for Your Kitchen: Why It's A Classy And Practical Choice

The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in your house. It gets a lot of foot traffic and as such, it needs to have a durable flooring system. While strength is a major deciding factor in choosing your flooring material, you shouldn’t compromise aesthetics. If you’re wondering if light wood floors in your kitchen are a classy and a practical choice, this article is for you. 

The Benefits of Wood Flooring

Ask local kitchen cabinet makers why homeowners choose hard wood as their main kitchen cabinet and flooring material, and you’ll most likely receive this answer: It is durable and has a warm appeal. 

Hard and light wood floors in your kitchen showcase a great combination of function and aesthetics. They can make your kitchen look — and feel — cozy. Compared with other flooring materials, wood is more comfortable underfoot. It also evokes a sense of calm and continuity. 

Additionally, wood is a natural resource that boasts the resale value of your home. In the past, moisture was a huge concern for this type of flooring material. But thanks to modern advances (e.g., the use of sealers and premium polyurethane finishes), this issue can now be addressed. 

When it’s properly finished, wood requires low maintenance. And given the proper maintenance, it can last for decades.

Another great thing about wood as a flooring material is the sustainability of wood. Should you choose to sell your house for whatever reason, you can guarantee a price higher than when it may use a manufactures material such as vinyl.

Different Types of Wood Flooring

When speaking with custom kitchen cabinet makers and flooring experts, you’ll learn that there is a range of wood flooring options that you can choose from. Each has its advantages, which you can leverage depending on your specific needs, preferences, and household lifestyle. 

Solid hardwood. As its name implies, this flooring material is 100% hardwood. It is timeless when maintained, and extremely durable. Some of our favorite hardwoods for flooring are oak, hickory, and maple species. These three are the hardest wood species found domestically in the US and are least susceptible to wear and tear. 

Engineered hardwood. This wood flooring option is only 100% natural wood on top. The bottommost part is a material and in between is a stable core consisting of several layers of plywood. Because of its complex anatomy, it’s more resistant to expansion or contraction, which is a common problem when a material is exposed to moisture and humidity. The thicker the top layer is, the more durable the flooring system will be. 

Reclaimed wood. Can be solid or engineered, reclaimed wood is ideal for the environmentally conscious homeowner. If you wish to minimize your carbon footprint of your kitchen project, this reused wood material is a great choice. Though it’s not new, its capability to resist decay and pests is still top-notch. Its natural look can also help create a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen. 

Bamboo. Though bamboo is a woody grass, it’s commonly grouped with other wood flooring materials. Whether it’s solid, engineered, or strand woven bamboo flooring, it’s consistently durable and moisture resistant. It’s also more environmentally friendly because bamboo is fast to grow and can be quickly replaced.

Trends in Christmas Light Decorations

Christmas lights are a fantastic way to brighten up any home, Christmas tree, and much more. However, you might be looking for a new way to decorate your home with lights this Christmas. If you want new ideas, here are six trends in Christmas decorations that you can try. 

1. Characters 

Characters are a fun way to dress up the exterior or interior of your home, and you can do that with Christmas lights. Since Christmas lights are on strings, you can hang yours in different styles to create a character, instantly making any home more appealing for the holidays. You can make a snowman, a reindeer, or even your personal favorite Disney character! 

Are you having trouble setting up your Christmas lights to make it look like a character? You can hire people by searching Christmas light installation near me to help you. 

2. A White Christmas 

Another fun trend to get into is a "White Christmas." This is an excellent option if you want a "clean" holiday look, and it complements homes with brick, stucco, reds and white color palettes. This is also a simple decision for those who want a "no fuss" Christmas style. 

You can choose from a variety of white Christmas lights to make your home more appealing. For instance, choosing warm white Christmas lights can make your home feel cozier. You can opt for brighter white lights if you want something more drastic. 

3. Fairy String Lights 

Do you want something a bit more colorful, fun, and youthful? Then you can try to grab some fairy string lights instead of your regular Christmas lights. Most fairy string lights are multicolored, so they can add a splash of fun to more minimal home styles. 

4. Garden Laser Lights 

Wishing to get your home into the Christmas spirit but not in the mood to hang up lights or figure out where to put them? Try some laser lights for the exterior of your house, they might be your best bet. You can also pick from a variety of colors, multicolored projection lights, to add more personality to your home. 

Laser lights are usually a type of spotlight that you can point towards whatever you want feature in your yard. For instance, you can put the laser light machine in your garden and have it face your home. 

5. Icicle Lights 

Are you looking for unique lights that aren’t your typical snowflake or bulb shape? Then going for some icicle lights might be what you need. Icicle lights also add some depth if your home is minimally furnished. 

6. Curtain Lights 

Curtain lights are many strings of lights hanging on one long electrical cord. These can come in one or multiple colors, and they add a bit of elegance to your home. These are fantastic to hang on trees, or from the roof line.

With Christmas right around the corner, you may wish to hire some professional Christmas light installation in Bucks County. Ask them to try out any of these holiday light installation suggestions to get you started in the right direction this season.

Kitchen Islands That Please the Eye and The Chef

Installing kitchen islands is a popular way of making kitchens more functional. These islands add more storage areas and counter spaces to prepare, cook, and even eat meals. Not only that, but they also boost the aesthetic value of this part of your home. However, not all kitchen peninsula ideas can be successfully turned into reality. 

Because kitchen islands are typically the focal point of kitchens, they should be well-designed and optimally incorporated into your layout. Various factors also affect their size and shape — from how busy and spacious your kitchen is to how many you are in the household. 

Materials, island height, and other features are also key considerations. But to help you out, we’re listing a few of the top kitchen island features that you should consider. When executed right, all of these features can please the ordinary eye and even the chef in your home. 

Base cabinet. This is one of the most basic elements of your kitchen island design. The anatomy of a base cabinet is comprised of the framework, any electrical or plumbing components, the actual cabinetry and countertop material. To this base cabinet structure, you can design in a seating area, a handwashing station, some small appliance storage and even a wine chiller.

If you’re looking for kitchen island designs with seating and you have a huge amount of available space, in-kitchen dining can be ideal for you. It’s a built-in island that can host 2-4 stools for countertop dining. Depending on how spacious your kitchen is, you can add a couple more seats so you can do away with a separate table for your dining pleasure. 

U-shaped island. A busy kitchen requires ample preparation space. This kitchen island type provides you with just that. Because of the extra counter space it offers, you can also add some countertop appliances to make it more functional. It also provides more storage space. However, because it takes up space, this island is generally recommended for a kitchen that is already large and airy in the first place. A smaller kitchen can be designed in a U shape but probably not include an island. Perhaps some kitchen peninsula ideas would work in your smaller kitchen,

L-shaped island. If you want to have a unique island while addressing limited kitchen space, one of your options is going for an L-shaped one kitchen island with stools. Though it’s less bulky than U-shaped islands, it can still provide ample counter and storage space. 

Looking for a unique kitchen island design? Perhaps a crescent shaped kitchen island is right up your alley. A departure from the common shape of an island, this is ideal if you wish to have bar-style seating in your kitchen. Compared with the two previously mentioned island shapes, this provides more room to maneuver and go around your kitchen. 

Double-tiered island. How about a double island kitchen layout? This type of island is recommended for home cooks who want to have separate counter space for cooking and preparing, and another one for dining. If you’re fond of hosting parties and welcoming guests into your home, this is the most suitable layout for you.

Let Professional Holiday Decorators Do Your Home This Christmas Season

With Christmas just around the corner, you might be wondering if you should consider getting a Christmas light installation service to do the decorating this year? Hiring a professional Christmas light installation company comes with many advantages. 

For one, it keeps the stress of falling off the roof when you have someone else take care of the holiday light installation tasks. There are no wires to untangle, broken bulbs to replace, no ugly wires showing in unexpected places, and you won’t have to worry about the neighbors complaining again. Ever wonder why neighbors and friends choose to have a professional Christmas light installation service in Bucks County do the work? Here are the top reasons. 

Less holiday accidents 

Are you aware that about 13,000 trips to the hospital emergency rooms are made during the holiday season? Most of them have to do with decorating accidents, especially holiday light installation. As much as we believe that YouTube can teach us everything we need to know in 30 minutes, holiday light installation is a bit more complicated than that. Don’t run the risk of falling while installing lights on your roof or trees this year. Also when you do it yourself, you are always in danger of getting electric shocks because you plugged lights in when your hands are wet, or you have connected too many Christmas light strings together, overloading a circuit. 

Cleaner look

When you invest in professional Christmas light installation team, you can be sure that you have a well-designed, clean look to your home for the holidays. Most homeowners tend to overdo their decorating to the point where it looks tacky. Professional holiday light installers make sure that their designs and plans are always sophisticated but still trendy. Professional installers are the people to call if you want your home to exude a certain tastefulness and look more like a hotel than a carnival. Hiring a team to do your light installation will help you make sure that all the lights installed in your home give maximum impact. 

Less fire risks

You are the best kind of neighbor when your decorations are not threatening a fire next door. So many fire incidents are reported during the holidays because DIY-ers have chosen to go crazy with the Christmas lights. Don’t do that. Hire professionals to have your Christmas lights installation done right. Christmas Décor franchise near you will have plenty of designs and looks to choose from, and they also allow for deviations or customizations from their standard designs. Pay a little extra and you can have a unique design done just for your home. 

Your imagination is your limit

If you install Christmas lights on your own, you are limited by the installation skills and equipment that you have. Hiring professionals for the job allows you to pick bits and pieces from catalogs and the suggestions from the designer. Hiring professionals is worth it because it takes your holiday decorating efforts to a whole new level.

Kitchen Designs for Todays Professional

As the kitchen is the heart of the home, careful planning should be done to make it efficient, functional, and aesthetically pleasing to its owner’s preferences. For the in-home chef, a kitchen should be a comfortable space where no inch is wasted — and a space that can cater to their specific needs. This is also why many of them turn to a custom kitchen design company that brings their kitchen ideas into fruition. 

If you're not yet quite sure about how you want your kitchen to be designed, this read is for you. Here are kitchen design tips and ideas suitable for today's busy homeowner. 

A multi-functional kitchen space. Today, luxury kitchen design in NJ doesn't just mean having top-quality kitchen elements. Now, it also involves cleverly transforming the traditional space for cooking and preparing food into a multi-functional one. It's become a place where you can dine, enjoy a good cup of coffee with loved ones, and even work remotely. 

Quality cabinetry is a key. For a kitchen to be functional, cabinetry should be meticulously planned and installed. Having sleek kitchen cabinet styles should also be part of your checklist. But apart from that, there is a preference for more drawers that glide. You should also work on beautifying both the interior and exterior of your cabinetry. 

Professional-level smart appliances. You can further promote efficiency in your kitchen by having luxury kitchen appliances that are high end brands. And speaking of appliances, don’t neglect the kitchen sink. A hot trend for years has been extra deep kitchen sinks with motion sensing faucets. Incorporating smart technology is also advised to help you conveniently sustain your kitchen lifestyle. 

Clever storage solutions and concealed appliances. To keep the decluttered look of your kitchen, it pays to have clever storage solutions. And these include permanent storage for bulky appliances such as ovens and microwaves. Not only does concealing appliances help you save space, it also helps protect them from several air borne elements — ultimately allowing you to maximize their lifespan. 

Resorting to easy-to-clean surfaces. Non-porous materials such as glass and metal are also a staple in the kitchens of today’s professionals. As we're living at the time of a pandemic, having easy-to-clean and non-pathogen-harboring surfaces in your kitchen should be a consideration. 

Little details mean a lot. As mentioned above, the kitchen has now become a space where many other non-kitchen activities can be done. This is why incorporating even the tiniest details to make your kitchen more "you" are now part of the kitchen design process. From installing an elaborate coffee bar to adding plants to equipping the kitchen USB ports and internet connected flat screen devices, these things matter a lot to a busy professional’s effort to personalize this portion of his or her home. 

Consult with a custom kitchen design company in NJ that understands the needs of younger professionals. Professionals like you know how advantageous it is to work with field experts. If you want your kitchen construction or renovation project to be as smooth and resource-saving as it can be, it's a must to hire a kitchen design center in NJ. They will help you achieve the look and functionality you want for your kitchen, and even provide you access to industry suppliers and vendors to make your project more cost-effective.

Best Times To Spread Weed Control & Fertilization

Weeds are unwanted garden guests that compete with your plants and crops for nutrients. If you want to get rid of them effectively, professionals specializing in weed control in Bucks County tell us that timing is the key. 

Read on to find out the best times to spread weed control and fertilization.

The Importance of Fertilizers and Weed Killers

Like the human body, lawns need nutrients. The most common nutrients that they need are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). As these are not often readily and abundantly available, fertilizers are actually used to supplement the soil. Similar to the way we supplement our diets with calcium for stronger bones.

Lawn and grass fertilization is important in expediting the greening of your lawn and improving turf health. And depending on your lawn’s situation, you have to choose fertilizers accordingly. For example, if your plants have become yellowish, it means that your soil lacks either nitrogen or potassium — or both. Meanwhile, if they have hints of blue-green, it’s an indication that they need more phosphorous. 

Similar to fertilizers, weed killers are a must-have for any gardener. Businesses that sell weed control products can often help gardeners identify the specific weeds that plague their lawns and recommend the most appropriate products. 

There are different weed killers available, including pre- or post-emergent weed killers. The former kills weeds even before they emerge while the latter combats weeds that have already come up. 

When To Apply Fertilizers and Weed Preventers

If you ask any fertilizing company in Bucks County, you’d know that time is of the essence when combatting weeds through fertilizers and weed preventers. 

When using pre-emergent weed control, you have to take note when lawn weeds begin to sprout. Weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass grow during summer and germinate during spring and winter. To effectively hinder their growth, you have to apply weed control in early spring. 

In terms of using post-emergent weed killers, you have to apply them to your lawn during the active growth phase of a weed. You have to further consider the air temperature — experts recommend using these killers when the temperature falls in the 60 to 80-degree Fahrenheit range. 

Apart from temperature, make sure to apply weed control when the weather is generally calm (e.g., not before heavy rains). Monitor weather forecasts and choose a day when it’s unlikely to rain for at least six hours. 

Now, when it comes to applying fertilizers, there are four timings that you need to bear in mind. First is early spring — just in time when lawns are becoming active again after the wintry months. When you fertilize them during this time, you’ll help strengthen the roots of your plants. 

The second is late spring. At this point, your plants are busy and in need of additional nourishment to produce a better yield. Fertilizing during summer is also beneficial. With strong heat-depleting nutrients and ushering drought, it’s only high time to supply your lawn with the fuel it needs to boost its growth. 

Lastly, you’re also advised to fertilize in fall or the season after summer. As a landscaper serving lower Bucks County, we see the fall as the season to recover from harsh summers. It is also the best time to do tree stump grinding and seeding and sod installation before winter months.

Countertops for Kitchen Islands and Peninsulas

When you prepare, cook, and serve meals, you’re heavily reliant on the countertops you have installed. But apart from functionality, the kitchen countertop can also affect the overall visual appeal of your space. This is why if you look at the best kitchen designs, you will notice how much emphasis this kitchen surface feature is given. 

In this article, we’re particularly tackling the best countertops for kitchen islands and peninsulas. 

Corian Solid Surface

Corian’s solid surface is a staple in many articles that discuss kitchen peninsula ideas. Made from a mixture of pure acrylic polymer and natural minerals, this easy-to-install countertop material is popular for its superior durability. 

Corian-made countertops also boast a seamless countertop design. As a result, you can avoid having visible seams that takes away from the aesthetic appeal of your island or peninsula. Also, since it is non-porous, no maintenance sealing is required. 

Corian is stain-, moisture-, and heat-resistant. It can withstand temperatures up to more than 212ºF temperature levels. Corion is extremely sanitary. Cook with confidence as you prepare meals. The material can be easily cleaned and sanitized without leaving behind any residue of perishable food particles. To keep this countertop material clean, you can simply use soapy water or a detergent solution that uses safe amounts of ammonia. 

You also would not have to worry about scratches because its very design can help minimize the appearance of scratches. If a scratch does appear, it can often be repaired with the use of an abrasive pad. 

Quartz

Quartz is also the go-to choice of many homeowners who want a highly functional kitchen island or peninsula. This material is known for its long lifespan. When maintained well, Quartz countertops can even last a lifetime. 

Like Corian, quartz countertops are also non-porous. Because Quartz is impermeable, it too is stain-resistant and less prone to harboring bacteria and germs. 

When comparing quartz vs corian the lower cost of Corion is often the differentiator. Quartz is one of the more expensive options of man-made countertop materials, and when you are covering a large countertop area on a low budget, choosing Quartz can be the more expensive option. 

Granite

When looking for the best kitchen designs in Hamilton NJ, granite countertops are also a popular choice. They are made from slabs of igneous stone, which give their enviable durability and natural appeal. But while they are hard and heat-resistant, they’re still non-porous. Unlike Corian and quartz, they’re more vulnerable to viral and bacterial growth. 

Their appearance is characterized by having graining patterns that add to this material’s unique look. Many homeowners assume that granite often is limited to darker grey color hues. The truth is that this natural material is available in a kaleidoscope of colors. Each vendor would have its own unique inventory of granite slabs and it is best to see the options in person before the stone is cut to your specifications. 

You also have to be careful when cleaning kitchen with granite countertops. You should use soapy water and avoid solutions or cleaners with acidic content. Consult with an eco-friendly kitchen designer for ideas on the proper cleansers to use with granite.