Consider The 6 Most Popular Kitchen Layouts When Planning Yours

When it comes to building or remodeling your kitchen, don't forget that you will most likely be stuck with the layout for a very long time. The layout can have the biggest impact on how efficiently the kitchen functions, and now is your chance to get it right. Besidesfunctionality, you will want your kitchen to look great, especially if is to be a gathering area for the family. Since no two kitchens are exactly alike, it is a good idea to look at different layouts to find the best one for you, then adapt it to fit your space and needs.
The main consideration in a kitchen layout is functionality. It is important to keep the work triangle in mind. That is, the cook top, sink and refrigerator should all be easily accessible from one to the other. Other important considerations include counter space, aisle space and traffic flow.
Here are the 6 most popular kitchen layouts to give you some ideas and stimulate your imagination.
1. Open Kitchen
This is called open because it eliminates the wall separating the kitchen from the adjoining room, either facing or being incorporated into it. It allows for entertaining in the kitchen and better flow of traffic. This design can also incorporate the various shaped layouts listed here.
2. I-Shaped or One Wall Kitchen
Ideal for small kitchens or where multi-use of floor space is needed. Cabinet and counter space is optimized by placing appliances closely together along a single wall. When the kitchen is not in use, the space in front can be used for other purposes.
3. L-Shaped
Work stations for preparation, cooking and cleanup are set up along two adjoining walls. An island can be added for more countertop and storage space, and possibly a row of stools. Extra storage space can be added with carousel cabinets in the corner.
4. U-Shaped
This layout can be highly efficient with all corners of the work triangle placed within easy reach. In a smaller kitchen it may be possible to stand almost in one place and turn from the refrigerator to the stove and the sink. A large kitchen can include a center island or table, adding functional space at the expense of efficiency.
5. G-Shaped
Similar to the U-shaped kitchen, with extra storage and work space added with a peninsula or half-wall cabinet. For a serious cook, this has the added benefit of restricting unwanted traffic. It has the extra space of an island in a U-shaped kitchen without sacrificing efficiency.
6. Galley Kitchen
Cabinets, work surfaces and appliances are installed against walls on either side of an aisle. This design is most popular for small and narrow kitchens as it maximizes the use of space available. Planning the placement of the various elements is important if this design is to be efficient. Many galley kitchens are arranged so that the work can proceed from one end to the other.
Once you have chosen the layout of your kitchen, you'll want to make sure it looks spectacular with custom made cabinetry designed specifically for you. Edgewood Cabinetry has the expertise and experience to make your kitchen efficient and beautiful. If you would like to know what we can do for your kitchen, contact us.

How to Prepare for a Kitchen Renovation

Close your eyes and picture this scenario: You’re a week away from a huge kitchen renovation, and the thought of living without the most-used room in your home can be … terrifying? Inconvenient? Worrisome? All of the above? Even planning to prepare for a kitchen renovation can be tumultuous and expensive. But if you plan according, waiting for your new kitchen will be an absolute breeze.
One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Edgewood Cabinetry is, “How long will my kitchen remodel take?” To be perfectly honest, it takes as long as it needs to. Along the way, we communicate efficiently and effectively with everyone involved to make sure your project stays on time and on budget.
What can you do ahead of time? For one thing, setting up a ‘temporary kitchen’ in a spare room, garage or basement would be ideal. A few of your old cabinets should also be moved, along with small appliances and any oft-used cutlery. Beyond that we also recommend:

• Getting any and all permits ahead of time. You should consult your local building department or zoning office for an answer on whether a permit is needed, especially for electrical work, plumbing modifications, and more. Here at Edgewood Cabinetry, we can help you through this process and answer any questions you might have.
• Establishing a budget that should stretch through the estimated time frame for the remodel. Making some big meals ahead of time and freezing them in single-meal portions is one option. Another is to offer a friend or family member your culinary services in exchange for using their kitchen.
• Emptying out all storage shelves, cabinets and closets that will be demolished prior to the remodel starting. In the event you won’t be moving and/or saving old cabinetry and storage solutions, Edgewood Cabinetry can recommend a range of options to suit your needs.
• Putting aside essentials (aka ‘everyday items’) like your coffee pot, can opener, and more. Think disposable for cups, plates and silverware. Use see-through plastic bags to pack these items for the move back into your new kitchen. This will make them easier to unpack once the remodel is finished.

A little planning will go a long way to help ease the worry during what will hopefully be just a short period of disruption. Planning for these temporary hassles can help get you to the point where you’ll love your kitchen for a lifetime!  Contact us to learn more!

5 Major Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest concerns people experience when having their kitchen remodeled is that the project will get bogged down in mistakes.  Fortunately, many errors are preventable, as long as you know about them in advance and can give them proper consideration.  The following are five major kitchen remodel mistakes to avoid.
1) Losing sight of the bigger picture
People sometimes focus on changing one part of their kitchen, such as the cabinetry or the material of the floor or countertops, without considering how those changes will fit with how they use their kitchen and affect its overall style.  Some materials or colors wouldn't look good together.  Other changes will make the kitchen look smaller or cost you space.  Even if your renovation seems relatively minor, you need to always consider how it will affect the kitchen as a whole.
2) Leaving all the decisions to contractors and other professionals
When people don't carefully think through what they need and make their needs clear to the professionals they work with, they're often stuck with a kitchen they didn't envision and don't feel comfortable with.  Professionals can always give you feedback about your ideas and of course help you implement them, but they shouldn't be dictating the project. 
3) Cutting corners
People understandably want to save money on renovations, so they sometimes go for cheaper materials or hire professionals who aren't reputable.  In the short term, this might save some money.  But ultimately they get stuck paying more down the road as their kitchen starts to fall apart from the shoddy renovation work and low-quality materials.
4) Getting carried away
Make sure not to 'over-design' your kitchen.  Sometimes people start renovations and don't know when to stop.  There's always some light fixture or appliance they feel like they need to update or some extra scrollwork they're desperate to add to their cabinet doors, and ultimately their kitchen winds up looking like someone fussed with it too much.  Plus, they spend more money than they need to and can't even relax and enjoy the beautiful kitchen they have.
5) Making unnecessary major changes
If you feel like you need more space in your kitchen, your first solution shouldn't be to tear down walls or move around your sink or other major appliances. This will lead to a much more costly renovation. First, always consider whether there are less complicated solutions you could implement to get similar results.  Even in smaller kitchens, there are ways to make much more efficient use of the space, giving you more room to move around and making the room lighter and more airy.
If you're considering a kitchen renovation, contact us. An important part of the kitchen, in terms of both its space and appearance, are the high quality cabinets you choose.  We'll also be able to give you general advice about your renovation and help you design a kitchen that you'll love.

Fresh Faucet Trends for Kitchen and Baths

As kitchens take their rightful place as the heart of our homes, we're giving more and more attention to the details that make them beautiful.  One kitchen fixture that has received an enormous amount of attention recently is the faucet.  While in our parents' day, a kitchen faucet was mostly abot function, new, high-end designs are bringing a touch of elegance to the hardest-working corner of your kitchen.
What are some of the hottest faucet trends for kitchens?  The HGTV team fills us in:

• Minimalist.  Contemporary kitchens are incorporating faucets that are sleek, ergonomic, and minimalist in design.  Chrome finishes, single handles, and seamless finishes are a few notable features of today's contemporary faucets.
• "Profi."  You've probably seen these professional-grade faucets on design shows and in magazines.  They are prized for their versatility, as you can use the extendable faucet to fill up nearby pots and coffeemakers, or even to water plants.  Their tall silhouette adds a bit of high drama to your room, especially if you are working with a larger space.
• Vintage.  Bucking the modern trend, classic faucet designs are also making a comeback this year.  Wall-mounted and bridge faucets are two of the most popular styles, lending retro kitchens an air of timeless comfort.

And what about trends in bathroom faucets?

• Rustic.  As rustic bathroom design takes its stride this year, faucets that mimic elements found in nature are becoming increasingly popular, as are faucets in less common finishes, like dark charcoal.
• New shapes.  Because bathroom faucets are less work-focused than their kitchen counterparts, homeowners are embracing less traditional shapes, like square faucets, which nicely complement the hot new trend of rectangular sinks.
• High Arcs.  In more contemporary bathrooms, high arc faucets are taking center stage and adding a bit of drama to the space.

Contact us to learn more about incorporating these fresh trends into your kitchen or bath!