Posts

Remodeling Ideas for a Kid-Friendly Kitchen

A kitchen is a place for everyone to gather and socialize. That includes the children. Make your kitchen more inviting and kid-friendly for your little ones with these innovative solutions.

Built-In Breakfast and Play Nook

One popular solution for a kid-friendly kitchen is to install a bench and table nook area with books. This way, the kids can relax and read while you’re preparing meals, but also have their very own area to share with you while eating. You can include a play kitchen, as well, so that kids too young to help cook can practice. Making sure the kids feel included is good for their well-being and teaches them important skills that they can apply later in life.

Chalkboard Paint Ideas

To add more fun to your kitchen area, it’s a good idea to have some great places where kids can draw with chalk. It’s safe for the kitchen area, as it’s non-toxic. Some great places to make a chalkboard surface with chalkboard paint include the sides of benches, the fridge, a hanging chalkboard menu, or even the lower cabinets. You might choose one or two of these options. But you may even want to do them all. This allows the kids to express themselves and make the space more their own. Giving kids a creative outlet is always a good idea and this way brightens up your kitchen.

Built-In Kid-Friendly Access

When remodeling your kitchen, be sure to ask your contractor about building in options that specifically cater to kids. However, these are conveniences that last a lifetime, and aren’t just useful for when they are still kids. Having a hidden step stool behind a cabinet built for that purpose is one idea. The cabinet could even contain a slide out with a built-in stepstool. Also, try putting in lower, easy-function cabinets made for kids’ dishes and utensils. You can then put in higher cabinets with child-safe locks for other items that the kids don’t need or shouldn’t access.

Kid-Friendly Plumbing

Did you know that child-sized sinks are available, even for residential usage? Try having a kid-sized sink and lower cabinet to help kids keep clean in the kitchen. Other related conveniences include a soap dispenser, automatic faucets, and a hand dryer or low-reaching paper towel rack. There are also drinking fountains that are either separate from the sink or that attach to the existing faucet for convenience. Like with the kid-friendly access options, many of these plumbing options are conveniences that are useful for all ages.

Easy Access to Trash

To encourage kids to pick up trash, the best way is to make it easier for them to do. Adding an element of fun is also good. Try hiding it inside a low reaching, built-in reach-in cabinet. A step-on can is also fun for kids. Some might enjoy it more if a basketball hoop was installed over the trash can for fun tossing of trash. Making a game out of throwing out the trash teaches the kids to do a very important chore without feeling forced to do it.

What Makes a High Quality Kitchen Cabinet

When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinets, considering how long they will last is an extremely important factor. Finding options using high quality materials, such as solid plywood construction, is usually worth the added cost over less expensive stock cabinetry options. Laminates and thermofoil are often used as budget-conscious options, and these options are known to occasionally experience issues down the line. So then, what makes a high quality kitchen cabinet? Read more

Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding Styles

 

Crown molding is a design element that is popular as a finishing feature to many rooms in both older and newer homes. It also adds a degree of old school style to any traditional or transitional kitchen when installed on the tops of cabinets. While they can prove tricky to install, the finished look they provide cabinets is worth the extra effort.

Read more

Remodeling Your Kitchen To Cook Great Recipes

Have you ever read some recipes, such as those found in the Life and Entertainment section of the Columbus Dispatch, and thought to yourself, how would I ever cook these in my kitchen? Ever found that cooking holiday meals is more of a nightmare than it really should be? It comes down to having a kitchen with a good workflow and ample counter space to make sure things don’t get cluttered out of control. If you find your kitchen is too cramped or inefficient, there are plenty of ways to improve your space.

Maximize Counter Space with Storage Cart

Arc Photography holds copyright to all images supplied. All images are licensed to original clients for original intent and purposes unless outlined in client agreement. No transfer or resale permitted of images provided by Arc Photography unless specified by written consent.

Especially in smaller kitchens, counter space is at a premium. If there isn’t sufficient storage, items can tend to find “homes” on the counter, even if they don’t really belong there. One solution is to find a portable cart that can be used while preparing meals or offering extra space for other reasons – sort of like a mini breakfast bar.

Improve Workflow With Design or Arrangement Changes

Sometimes your kitchen layout simply isn’t working. This is one of the more difficult things to change because cabinetry configurations get involved. It can be as simple as simply rearranging your existing units. If you have good, solid cabinets, this is the best option. If your cabinets are already fairly large, you can get organizational systems for your cabinets to make better use of your existing space.

Double Wall Ovens Save Space and Time

Not only are double wall ovens affordable, but they can be major space savers, eliminating the need for a toaster oven or an extra wide appliance. Imagine being able to bake and cook at the same time. Have a complicated meal that requires different temperatures for everything? Double wall ovens can save preparation time in these and other instances. Also, when the double oven is installed in the wall, it leaves more room for extra storage or counter space. The best meals are made when you’re able to cook with ease.

Keep Most Used Items in Plain View and Within Easy Reach

Think of all the items you use most often and make plans with your contractor for the best storage options. For instance, utensils can hang above the stove or be stored in canisters on the counter top. The most used pots and pans can hang in easy reach or be stored within plain view, such as on a rack or stand. Consider removing the doors from some or all cabinets for easier access to everything you need in order to cook.

Use Wall Shelving or Other Easy Access Storage for Larger Items

Floating wall shelves can really free up space on the countertop that may normally be taken up by small appliances. Try placing the toaster, blender, can opener, and small dishes on the floating shelves. These shelves can be aligned throughout the kitchen wall space and customized for your specific usage. Built-ins, suspended ceiling racks, and countertop racks are also great storage solutions that are more convenient for easy cooking.

10 Key Components to Think About When Planning Your Kitchen Design

There is a reason why the kitchen area is referred to as the heart of any home: it’s the place where you and your loved ones gather together for cooking, eating, socializing, and, occasionally, catching up for a snack or cup of tea. In most homes, the kitchen area has turned into a multi-purpose room, which has an eating table, a computer table, entertainment area, and even a fireplace.

These are 10 basic things to think about when planning your kitchen design. Read more

Should You Follow the Latest Kitchen Trends?

When you’re researching options for your new kitchen, it’s easy to get excited by the latest design trends. It’s also just as easy to become overwhelmed by all of the different options. We recommend you consider the latest ideas in kitchen design, but not necessarily take them as gospel. You don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse in the long run. We approach every kitchen design with your whole house in mind, and help guide you through the decision making process.

Eastmoor Columbus Kitchen Remodel

 

In our experience, it’s best to take certain aspects of kitchen design and apply them to your own uses and personal style. Whether you’re into traditional, contemporary or other styles, try not to pigeonhole your kitchen into one particular type.  A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to improve the value of your home, but to also create something you enjoy with your family. While going through our detailed design build kitchen process, we help you navigate all of the decisions that need to be made, and we will help identify any potential design decisions that may affect resale of the home.

It’s true that some design styles can be timeless.  All over Ohio, we’ve seen many styles of kitchens, but many of the best kitchens tend to mix timeless with the modern in a complementary way. Our expert designers work hard to make sure elements flow seamlessly in a design.

One growing trend to always keep in mind however are green solutions. Believe it or not, despite how trendy environmentally friendly materials have become, the prices are becoming more reasonable and locally sourced products can will sometimes be comparable to foreign products.

For homeowners who do not know where to even start, we can help guide you through different kitchen styles, a variety , my team and I keep up with the latest trends and can help you identify what aspects work best for you. We’ll help you to choose the best possible features you can fit into your budget. The end result should always be the best possible space for you.