There’s something about summer that changes how you use your home. Doors stay open longer. Natural light matters more. Even the way you move through your space feels different, less confined, more connected to what’s happening outside. It’s a season that opens your eyes to what’s working in your home, and what isn’t. For many homeowners in Lancaster County, summer becomes the moment when … [Read more...]
How to Update Your Kitchen (Without Overcomplicating It)
Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean tearing everything out and starting from scratch. In many cases, the best results come from making smart, intentional upgrades, ones that improve how the space looks, feels, and functions without creating unnecessary disruption. The key is knowing where to focus. Start With How You Actually Use the Space Before choosing finishes or fixtures, take a … [Read more...]
Material Differences of Cabinets
There are many decisions you’ll be making when remodeling your kitchen. The most important is what kitchen cabinets to buy. But not all cabinets are created equally; there are material differences for cabinets that greatly affect the longevity and durability of your cabinets. Wood The highest quality cabinets are made of solid wood. There are many options for which type of wood to … [Read more...]
Types and Styles of Cabinet Doors
When remodeling your kitchen, there are several decisions that you will have to make. One of the most important decisions is the type and style of cabinet doors. Cabinet doors are available in three types (inset, partial overlay, and full overlay) and various styles. Types of Cabinet Doors The type of door on the cabinet—whether it is inset, partial overlay, or full overlay—not only … [Read more...]
Kitchen Layout
A kitchen's layout is the is the most important part of designing your dream kitchen. The layout will determine how you cook, clean, and store items in your kitchen. It will also determine how you eat and socialize in the room. Unless you are working with a completely new space such as a room addition, the size and shape of your current kitchen will play a role in determining the new layout of … [Read more...]
Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle is a concept that is used to design functional kitchen layouts and maximize efficiency in the kitchen. The three primary tasks carried out in the kitchen are preparation, cooking, and storage. Most of the food preparation takes place in or near the sink. Cooking is done in the oven, on the stove, or on a cooktop. And the refrigerator is the main place for storage. The … [Read more...]
Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Concrete is typically composed of ground rocks, sand, and fly ash. It is then mixed and held together with a binding agent. Concrete kitchen countertops can be made on-site or precast in a workshop. Although concrete countertops are reinforced like sidewalks, they won't feel like one. You can polish your concrete countertops to a smooth finish. Pros: You can customize concrete kitchen … [Read more...]
Metal Kitchen Countertops
Metal kitchen countertops are available in a limited choice of metals including: stainless steel, copper, zinc, pewter, brass, and bronze. To manufacture a metal countertop, a thin piece of metal is formed and fastened over a slab of wood. Metal kitchen countertops are nonporous, sanitary, and tolerant to high heat. Also, metal countertops are prone to denting and scratching. Stainless … [Read more...]
Bamboo Kitchen Countertops
Bamboo kitchen countertops are made out of pieces of bamboo. The pieces can be assembled in four different configurations: vertical, horizontal, end grain, and strand woven. These configurations affect the hardness and look. Assembled the same way as plywood; they are bound together under pressure with adhesive. Even though it resembles wood, bamboo is a type of grass. Consider using … [Read more...]
Wooden Kitchen Countertops
Wooden kitchen countertops -- also knows as butcher block -- are biodegradable, and they come in a wide array of styles depending on the species, color/stain, and grain orientation (face grain, edge grain, or end grain.) The hardness of the wood varies on the species. If you want a wood countertop that will not show a lot of wear, you will want to choose a wood that measures higher up on the Janka … [Read more...]