natural stone tile

Latest Trends in Kitchen Remodeling

Stirring the Pot—
The Latest Trends in Kitchen Remodeling

They say the heart of a home is the kitchen. It’s the place where families spend time together preparing and sharing meals. In terms of construction, kitchens are one of the most important and expensive areas of the house. Did you know that even a minor remodeling of the kitchen may give you up to an 80% return on investment? Kitchen trends keep changing, just as our tastes and preferences for food. Here are some of the latest trends in kitchen remodeling you might want to consider when building new or renovating an existing kitchen.

Backsplashes

Adding a backsplash helps cover the gaps between the countertop and the wall. It also helps protect the wall from water. If done well, it can add a finished and stylish look to your new kitchen. Kitchen backsplashes trends keep changing. Natural stone is making a comeback, and you can choose from a variety of options. The best part about these is that they are durable, affordable and can go with any style. Another option is pebble tiles, to give your kitchen a three dimensional look, and is the perfect combination of rustic and modern. Chalkboard backsplashes provide a casual look. Lastly, glass tile backsplashes can make the kitchen look bigger and brighter. Designers are also using a combination of colors and materials to create unique patterns filling the area from the counter top to the bottom of the cabinets.

Kitchen Island

Industrial style kitchen islands are both practical and popular. Since kitchen islands are placed in the center of the kitchen, they deserve the utmost attention. The latest trends are all about mobile kitchen islands that can be easily moved in order to give extra space whenever needed. The island can include sinks, stove top or just open prep space.

Counter Tops

The counter top is still a major focus of the kitchen design style and granite never seem to go out of fashion. Not only is granite low maintenance, but it is durable as well. The latest trends include a variety of detailed edging styles, such as bevels and bullnose, or more complex edges such as coves, dupont, and waterfall patterns. Keep an eye out for quartz being used as a counter top material option in a variety of neutral colors.

Appliances

Stainless steel appliances are still as popular today as they were 10 years ago, and they are not going away. The only downside of stainless is how easily finger print marks show up. Stainless steel appliances continue to be popular because they are tough and durable. They look good in traditional or contemporary style kitchens. They also look good with any wood type or color used in the kitchen. Most manufacturers make stainless finish appliances, so it is easier to match than colored appliances.

Cabinetry

2016 will be the year of functionality and minimalism. In order to keep the kitchen simple, stylish and uncluttered, designers and contractors will be using cabinetry with rollout drawers, and multi-tiered drawers. The new designs incorporate the appliances in such a way that it will look as if they are an extension of the cabinets. Other trends include creating hydraulic cabinet door openings that fold and lift out of place with a push button.

These are just a few of the ideas for your kitchen planning or remodeling. Weston Construction can give you an estimate on your next kitchen renovation. Give us a call.

Tiling Spaces

Tile Choices for Construction and Renovation

Ceramic and stone tiles have become a very popular construction material when renovating an existing home or building a new house. We will discuss the types of ceramic and stone tiling options and the benefits and usage of each type. When choosing tile materials for flooring, counter tops, back splashes and shower or bath, it is good to know which tile materials work best for that placement.

Tiles may be broadly divided into two types, ceramic and stone. Both are then sub-divided into other types.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is manufactured from quarried, prepared, and molded clay. The two types of ceramic tiles are:

Porcelain
Porcelain ceramic tile while composed of clay and minerals, also contains 50% of feldspar crystals – a kind of white sand. These crystals melt during the kiln-drying process to form a glass-like material that bonds all the other ingredients together. Even with minor modifications to the ingredients or tile making process, a huge variety of porcelain tiles can be achieved. More durable, stain resistant, and less water absorbent than non-porcelain tiles, porcelain tiles also demonstrate a thorough-bodied color. Porcelain tile is well-suited for construction of exterior walls and floors.
Non-Porcelain
Made from either red, white, or brown clay, non-porcelain tiles are one of the most economical types.
Both types come in unglazed and glazed varieties. The glazed tile may come in semi-high gloss or matte look. Glazed tiles will be increasingly resistant to stains, scratches, traction, and water absorption, making them ideal for bathroom floors and walls.

Natural Stone Tile

Many people like the natural earthy look of stone tiles. Depending upon the location and time of the stone being quarried, slabbed, and finished, stone tiles come in many varieties. For foyers, and hallways – high-traffic areas – stone tiles with a matte or satin finish last longer, whereas highly polished tile begins to show wear patterns.

Granite
Granite is an igneous, dense, and hard rock with a distinctive speckled appearance and unique veining that comes in multitudes of colors. Almost impervious and scratch resistant, this tile makes an excellent choice for kitchen floors and countertops, other high-traffic areas, such as curbs and paving stones, solid, colorful, and durable workstations, such as sinks, and backsplash.

Marble
A metamorphic rock available in many colors and featuring rich veining, marble is more porous and not suited for kitchen flooring. It is, however, a perfect choice for interior walls and floors in areas with moderate traffic.

Limestone
A sedimentary rock that comes in both light and dark shades, limestone’s earthy appearance can be polished smooth or textured. Use limestone for structural and entry walls, the area around a fireplace, vanities, and shower walls.

Travertine
A limestone type that has a crystallized appearance and an earthy tone, the surface has natural pitting. Like limestone, travertine is perfect for entry walls, fireplace surrounds, shower walls, vanities, tub decks and mosaics.

Slate
Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is extremely dense and very durable. Slate is available in darker earthy tones. The surface of slate is naturally textured unless a smooth, honed finish is achieved. Slate is an excellent choice for kitchen – countertops and wet bars – roofing and high-traffic area flooring, such as walkways.

Other
Other stone types include onyx and quartzite.

The Benefits of Tile
1. Environmentally friendly. Little to no volatile organic compounds are found in ceramic tile and stone, as compared to other types. They contribute towards building a healthy environment.
2. Durability. High durability and sustainability makes ceramic and stone an ideal choice. Floorings, such as carpets need replacement after every 7-10 years, making them less economical.
3. Mildew resistant. Good fighters against mildew and mold, ceramic and stone are constructed from materials that are not food sources for mold and mildew. Less mold and mildew is healthier for your home.
4. Moisture resistant. Inherently water resistant, ceramic, and stone do not degrade when exposed to moisture.

The type of tile you choose will depend on your usage – amount of traffic, area covered, type of area being covered etc – and budget. Choose wisely, although keep in mind that stone and ceramic tiles are more durable, healthy, and sustainable than other building material choices out there. Weston Construction can help you assess the best tiling materials to use for your new home construction or renovation.