Not All Kitchens Are Created Equal

Merillat offers ways to make the most out of a kitchen Island

For prospective new homebuyers, the kitchen can make or break the sale. This was determined in Merillat's study, Model Behavior: How people, think, act and shop in a model home. The study, the first-of-its-kind, examined the key motivations and actions of homebuyers.

The study found that new home shoppers ranked the kitchen as extremely important. In fact, of the shoppers studied, only three percent indicated that they would return to the house for a second visit or consider purchasing the home if they didn't like the kitchen.

"The kitchen is the gathering place for special occasions, family functions and day-to-day activities, which is why it is so important to prospective buyers to ensure that the kitchen meets the needs of their family from a design and functionality prospective," said Karen Strauss, Masco Builder Cabinet Group president.

Kitchen Feature Shoppers Liked Most Certain features in the kitchen caught the eye of prospective homebuyers and drew them into the kitchen. Among those features, islands were the most cited 'wow' factor.

"The island is a great opportunity to add function, style and personality," said Strauss. "This specialty area attracted a great deal of attention and sparked conversations by shoppers."

The Functionality of the Kitchen Island Kitchen islands offer much more than visual appeal, they lend themselves to multiple functions such as storage, convenience, additional workspace and even comfort.

"One way to put the island to work, is by incorporating dual height surfaces," said Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat. "Dual height countertops can provide separate work surfaces, such as a cutting prep area. They can also be used as a serving or buffet area." Radoy added, that dual heights allow for seating at an informal dining area, satisfying homeowners with children, or anyone who entertains. Seating areas can also be taken one step further by incorporating a table into the island, this allows for a more formal seating arrangement.

Adding organizational features is another way to make an island as functional as possible. Pull-out waste baskets, cutting board kits and spice drawer inserts are just a few features that can make an island prep area more efficient. The island workspace can become even more streamlined when essentials such as sinks, cook tops or dishwashers are incorporated into the design.

The Beauty of the Kitchen Island
In addition to the function, most homeowners love the look of an island; however, many overlook its true potential. By adding decorative elements, the island becomes the perfect vehicle for increasing the kitchen's overall style and personality.

"A high-end look can easily be accomplished by contrasting the island with the other cabinetry in the kitchen," said Radoy. "Simply using a different cabinetry style, wood specie or finish on the island adds visual interest." However, in some cases the homeowner may prefer the island to seamlessly match the other cabinetry. In this case, visual interest can still be accomplished by adding details like a built-in wine rack, open display shelves or glass front doors.

Merillat also offers decorative accents that work to enhance cabinetry style and design with details such as feet, legs, corbels, ornamental onlays and molding inserts. These decorative details can change the look of an ordinary island into heirloom furniture, turning an average kitchen into something exceptional.

Islands for any Kitchen
Whether the kitchen is big or small, homeowners of today expect their kitchens to accommodate their busy, multi-tasking lives. They want islands that can handle a variety of activities from cooking, to entertaining, to family time. However, when designing a kitchen island, the most important point to keep in mind is - how are the homeowners going to live in their kitchens and how do they intend to use their islands. Moreover, by incorporating Merillat design elements, a kitchen island can become a functional focal point.

Source thehousedesigners.com

Kitchen Sinks and Faucets

In today's world there are many styles and colors to choose from when purchasing a new sink for your home. The only available choices in the past were cast iron and stainless steel in very few sizes and colors. You could not order a customized sink and you had to design around what was available. Now you can select a sink to fit your design as well as faucets to compliment that style. Here is a guide to some of the choices that are out there for consideration.

The least expensive and most popular option is stainless steel. Concern yourself with quality though; don't just choose the cheapest one. It is best to find a sink that is from 18- to 20-gauge steel. The lower the gauge, the heavier and more durable the steel will be. Content of the steel can also affect its quality. The best combination to look for is 18% chrome and 8% nickel. Chrome adds strength and nickel prevents corrosion.

Stainless steel will compliment commercial-style appliances and can be molded as a continuous part of a stainless steel countertop that will not chip and is easy to clean. It will show scratches quickly and easily. Over time this will develop a natural patina, but this does take time. Choose a satin textured finish if you picked a thin gauge. Thin will dent and make noise and a satin finish can help with this. These sinks are made for under-mount and drop-in models. If you choose an under-mount stainless steel sink, be sure that your countertop is made of a solid material and not a laminate. Otherwise, water exposure can cause separation and bubbling. Average cost of a stainless steel sink is between $350-$800.

Cast Iron Sinks feature an iron base coated with an enamel finish. There are many colors to choose from in a cast iron sink. They are prone to chipping, which will expose the black surface that is beneath the color. Then you will have to deal with rusting and staining. Cast iron sinks are pretty much the most difficult to install because they are very heavy and bulky. There is limited under-mount installation available for them. Expect to pay $300 to $1500.

Composite sinks have three common forms: polyester/acrylic, quartz composite, and granite-based. Polyester/acrylic will scratch, cut, nick, and stain the easiest because they are made from soft materials. Many people still choose them because of the multitude of color options available. These are the lowest cost at $300 to $500. Quartz composite sinks have a much more durable surface. It is made of 70% quartz and 30% resin filler. They can resist much of the everyday cuts, scuffs, and dents; and can withstand harsh cleaning materials or liquids the other sinks can't. Granite-based sinks are the strongest on the market, but are also much pricier. They will not scratch, rust, dent, burn, or crack. Granite-based sinks are only available in matte finish, so if you really want a glossy finish you will want to consider a different type.

Solid Surface sinks are made from solid synthetic sheets, which are formed by mixing a mineral compound with polyester and/or acrylic resins. The nice part of these sinks is that you can have them molded from the same piece of solid surface that you use on your countertop. They come in many colors and designs. If they scratch, you can sand them out. The average cost is around $300 to $700.

Types of Sinks
The least expense and most common option is the self-riming sink. The edges lap the countertop.

The edges are hidden in an under-mount and integral sink. An under-mount attaches below the countertop and an integral is made from the same material as the countertop and fused without seams. Stainless steel, solid surface, and composite materials are flexible enough to mold integral sinks. Both of these sinks offer a clean look and easy cleanup since there are no rims to push crumbs over.

Farmhouse sinks, otherwise known as apron sinks, have an exposed front that sometimes stick out past the front of the cabinet a bit. These are most often used in kitchens with a rustic or country-style decor. The bowl itself is typically deeper than the average sink. They normally do not have a deck. The faucets and other accessories are mounted directly to the countertop right behind the sink bowl.

Note: If you choose a flat-bottomed sink and steep, straight sidewalls, you'll greatly increase the space around the sink for usability.

Sink Styles
The most common sinks are single bowl, double bowl, triple bowl, and main sink plus prep sink.

Single bowls are best for small spaces where you are tight on space or if you like a larger single sink area for rinsing large pans.

Double-bowl sinks have two bowls that are the same size. You usually wash in one side and rinse in the other. You can also get these with one large and one smaller bowl to use as a prep sink to clean fruits and vegetables.

Triple-bowl sinks combine the possible single and double bowl functions by giving two larger, but same size, bowls and also the smaller prep bowl. Most commonly the garbage disposal is built into the smaller bowl.

Prep sinks alone are most often placed in a separate area from the main kitchen sink. They are on kitchen islands or close to the stove. This offers convenient prep cooking.

Sink Accessories
There are some convenient accessories available for your kitchen sink if you spend a lot of time preparing and cooking food. There are cutting boards that fit securely on the sink's sides with holes to scrape the scraps through; it is handy to use this on a sink that has a garbage disposal. Other accessories are available, such as colanders to hang on the side, garbage disposals, dish racks that fit in the basins, and hot water dispensers.

A note about garbage disposals - you want a high horsepower garbage disposal that can handle tough foods like meat scraps. If you're worried about noise using a larger horsepower, just be sure you have a wide dampening collar, because it greatly reduces the noise.

Faucets
In general your faucet will have its own style based on the shape of its handle or handles, its height and its accessories. Keep in mind that your faucet should be chosen to compliment the architectural theme you've created with your countertops, cabinetry and appliances. Faucets also offer a lot in the way of options - adjustable heights, spray and swivel features and multiple colors and finishes.

Don't forget about your sink when you choose your faucet, because if you have a self-rimming sink it comes with predrilled holes so you'll need to make sure your faucet will fit. You can pick any faucet you like if your sink is undermounted or integral, because the holes are drilled by the installer after you've picked out your faucet.

Here's a few things to consider to help choose a faucet that's right for you.
Handles
Handles should be chosen to compliment your kitchen. The traditional style is a two-handled faucet with one knob for hot water and the other for cold water, which allows for independent control of both. However, faucets with one handle are becoming increasingly popular because you can enjoy the convenience of single-handedly controlling your water temperature and volume. Handles come in a thousand varieties, from cross-handles to wrist-blade lever styles.

Finish
Look for a long-lasting, low maintenance finish to compliment your decor. Your choices are quite extensive and include chrome plating, nickel plating, white enamel, brass, colored epoxy, platinum, porcelain, bronze, stainless steel and gold or silver. The favored finishes are chrome and brass because they are easy to maintain and very durable. A word of caution if you go with brass - it requires a special protective coating to prevent it from tarnishing. For lots of color options and easy cleanup go with an epoxy finish.

Material
When it comes to the faucet's main material, your two best options are solid brass or plastic. Solid brass comes highly recommended because it is a much tougher material than plastic and can handle extreme temperatures. Internally, your faucet will control the flow of water using either rubber washers, a plastic or ceramic cartridge, a plastic, brass, or stainless steel ball valve, or a ceramic disk. A ceramic disk is recommended for the same reasons as solid brass.

Spout and spray
A basic kitchen faucet has a standard spout that rises only slightly in height from the faucet body to its tip. A high-arc faucet (also known as high-neck or gooseneck) has a spout that increases dramatically in height, often as high as ten inches or more. This allows for easy rinsing of large pots and presents an elegant look in any kitchen.

Note: If your design calls for a sink with two or three bowls, the length and flexibility of the spout is important. A long spout with a reach of 12- to 14-inches may be called for, as well as one that swivels at least 180 degrees to reach the different bowls. Spouts can be straight, short, elongated, curved, and high-rise, with an integrated spray that pulls out or pulls down.

It's hard to imagine a kitchen faucet that doesn't have some kind of retractable sprayer for washing vegetables and rinsing large pots, which is why almost all faucet manufacturers sell a system with a sprayer - a traditional side sprayer or a modern pullout spray.

Dripless Faucets
Think longevity when you're installing anything that has to do with water. Consider how long a new faucet will last without dripping. Faucets should offer long-term performance and be drip-free for life - of course the operative word is should. To help minimize the chances of dripping it is best to use ceramic disc valving, because it's very durable and leak resistant.

Scald Protection
This may not seem that important to you if you don't have children, but you may someday, so why not add an anti-scald feature to your faucet for a few more dollars.

Look for quality
An inexpensive faucet may look as good as the more expensive one, but don't be fooled - it won't last long. Your flag should go up when plastic is used on integral parts, washers are controlling the flow of water (should have ceramic disks or replaceable cartridges) and are lightweight. Plumbing bills will be far more costly down the road, than purchasing a high quality faucet from day one.

Get enough holes
When you buy a new sink, you'll need to decide how many holes you will need in the "deck" - the flat part behind the bowls. Depending on the style of faucet you choose, you will need one to three holes to accommodate the taps and spigot. More holes will be needed for a hot-water dispenser, a spray accessory (if it's not part of the faucet) or a built-in soap dispenser. It's difficult, but not impossible, to add holes once the sink is in place, so get as many as you think you'll ever need.

Off-set drains
By placing the drains to one side you'll gain more flat space for stacking dishes and glasses and create more usable space under the sink. Offset drains also allow water to drain, even if a large pan or tray is soaking in the sink.

Web or divider
For double bowl sinks, make sure the web divider between the two bowls is lower than the outside sink walls. This will provide overflow protection by allowing water to flow from one bowl to the other.

Trends in Faucets and Sinks
Bigger is better, when it comes to kitchen sinks. The new trend in the kitchen is installing a large, single-bowl sink - which is more efficient for rinsing and washing, especially large pots and pans. The standard single bowl sink is 25 inches, but now people are looking for bowls that are 30 to 36 inches.

Rims are out! The majority of new homeowners are spending the extra money (about a couple hundred more) to get an undermounted or integral sink. It not only looks great, but it is very functional.

Pullout spray faucets and satin nickel or stainless steel finishes are very popular. Another trend is towards decorative faucets, which help add a little spice to your kitchen. If you want a sleeker style and finish, then satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze are worth checking out. Oil-rubbed bronze is a unique finish which gives a weathered, natural look that changes into a nice patina. For a more rustic/country look you can go for a farm or apron sink.

People like the idea of having a sink on the island where the cooktop is because they won't have to worry about dripping back and forth from the sink to the stove. For an added touch on your island you can get a small basin installed. It may look like just a pottery bowl, but it has real plumbing and is attached to the wall.

Pot-filler faucets are also becoming popular, because people don't want to have to keep running back to the sink to fill a pot. This faucet is attached right by the stove and folds back against the wall when you're not using it.

Source thehousedesigners.com

Kitchen Countertops

Two decades ago, choosing a countertop was not at all difficult. You chose from less than twenty variations on color of plastic laminate. It was simple. Today the interest and desire of consumers to have a more practical style of countertop has revolutionized the market. Countertops are no longer merely a work surface, but a key element in the design and luxury of your home.

Around the world, manufacturers now offer numerous different styles, color schemes, and materials to match any desire of the consumer. The kitchen is the focal point of any home. Now you have the means to construct the perfect look.

When limited to only a few choices, making a decision was quite easy. When choosing from possibly hundreds of styles, you may become overwhelmed. You may discover the decision to be quite difficult. In this case, here is a descriptive list of products to aid in your decisions toward a perfect kitchen.

Plastic Laminate: Price if compared at $25 to $50 per linear foot installed.
Plastic lamination was the beginning of modernized kitchen. This particular material is by far the most inexpensive and is available in almost all colors and textures. There are four major manufacturers of plastic laminate- Wilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, and Pionite. Each offers hundreds of styles. For an extra amount of cash, you can have your plastic laminate customized. This means matching your own color, texture, and style. One of the pros of this material is that it is very easy to clean, but the con is that cuts or scratches are difficult to repair. An entire counter surface can be installed from $600 to $1800 in most cases. Tip: If you plan to match your countertop and backsplash, inform your installer when ordering so he has enough material and possibly gives you a discount.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: Price is compared at $50 to $80 per linear foot installed. Plain colored tiles compare at $2 to $40 per tile. Hand painted tiles compare at $5 to $75 per tile.

If you are trying to create an artistic or specific look in your kitchen, ceramic and porcelain tile is the key. You can accomplish looks from contemporary to retro when working with these materials. If you are unsure of the design and style wanted, most stores will have showrooms to help you choose. Rustic, timeworn, and stone style surfaces are a current trend. If selecting from one of these looks, it is a good idea to ask the designer or salesperson to see several pieces of tile from the same lot. This will allow you to compare color variations from piece to piece.

Porcelain tiles may be a bit more expensive, but the material will handle wear and tear well without losing its ceramic style. Porcelain is the hardest fired product you can find.
A con to installing porcelain tiles is grout lines. It seems no one invests the proper time and energy intended to keep grout clean. Grout requires routine cleaning and care, but is very easy to clean.

Corian and Solid Surfacing: Price is compared at $75 to $150 a linear foot installed.
Dupont manufactures the most readily available and widely known 100% synthetic countertop material. This is Corian. Other manufacturers such as Wilsonart, Formica, and Avenite also produce a variety of styles. Corian is known as a solid surfacing material. It will be made from a pure acrylic product or a polyester-acrylic mix. Although there are some solid colored materials, most have a real stone texture produced by small flecks. The real stone texture is more expensive. The pro of the solid material is that the surface is scratch resistant. If you do get a scratch it can be sanded out. Deep scratches will require replacement of the damaged piece.

Concrete Slab: Price is compared at $50 to $100 per square foot poured.
Concrete is a very old material that is a new trend. It may be purchased in pre-formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Having the concrete poured and formed on-site is appropriate for unusually shaped counters. Although concrete is an old material it has an unusually high price. Because it is susceptible to cracking and its constructive look, consumers are weary about using the product indoors. On the plus side, concrete can be stained to match any color desired.

Granite: Price is compared at $75 to $200 per linear foot installed.
Granite is a timeless countertop surface. Not only does the product stand the test of time, granite slabs greatly increase the value of your home. Therefore, granite is the most expensive of all countertop types. The type, quality, and availability of the material, as well as the edge finish will all affect the price you are going to pay. A popular edge finish is a 1-1/2 inch bull nose, but find out from your fabricator when pricing the material to find out the style of edge included.

Granite is a very practical material due to the near impossibility of damaging the surface stone.

If the price is just too extreme, but you can't resist the look and style, look into granite tiles. A 12-inch square tile contributes identical resistance to that of solid slab. You can also reduce the size of grout by butt-jointing the tiles. Also, you can achieve the same basic look and style of solid granite by combining dark colored granite with dark colored grout.

Composite Stone: Price is compared at $110 to $250 per linear foot installed.

Now, composite stone material is the granite rival. The stone is a synthetic composite made from 90% quartz particles and 10% acrylic or epoxy binder. It is even difficult to decipher between the looks of real stone, composite, and granite. Because the composites are man-made, there is no chance of variation as in granite or marble. Therefore the material does not need to be sealed. Using the same process- Silestone, Okite, CaesarStone, and Dupont's Zodiaq are the major manufacturers. The only difference among these companies are the variations in color and texture. Together they offer over 130 countertops, all of which are scratch resistant. They can stain if not cleaned properly.

Butcher Block: Price compared at $30 per square foot.
Ordinarily comprised from rock maple, it can also be made from oak and cherry or mixed and exotic species. Although the surface it explicit for cutting and chopping, knife marks will show and the surface is also prone to water damages. Tip: If placing the butcher block by a sink, apply several coats of sealant.

Stainless Steel: Price compared at $150 per linear foot.
For a professional style or restaurant appearance, steel is perfect. The stainless steel is an alloy containing minute amounts of chromium for its rust resistant surface. Because of its thinness, it is attached to plywood, which provides strength, and helps mute the sound. The pros of steel are that it is stainless, heat resistant, and easily cleaned. The cons may be far and beyond for some. Fabrication is extremely costly and difficult. It shows scratches, fingerprints, dents, and can be rather noisy work surface. Also, if you tire of the look and style in the future, it is quite difficult to change or replace.

Soapstone (Steatite): Price compared at $55 per square foot.
Historically, soapstone was used in kitchen sinks. Generally it is a dark gray color, smooth to the touch, and respectively stain and burn resistant. It does however need to be treated on a regular basis with mineral oil.

Trendy Countertops

Designers and dealers get together yearly to discuss upcoming trends and exciting new ideas in home decorating. New and extravagant ideas have arisen in the kitchen. High tech laminates, stainless steel, and the mixing of all of the above materials for an artistic and personal design are among the many new ideas. Yet, the latest in cutting-edge technology is cement.

Countertops, Countertops, Countertops

Integrated drain boards and hydraulic lifts that let you access variations in height are helping designed countertops to be as functional and practical as ever. "Surface energy" is the combination of several countertops and a variety of styles and materials. Surface energy has prevented high functionality in the past, but today design pros are embracing new ways to cope.

A Bit of Last Minute Advice

In the end, you want to choose a countertop material that suits you and your home. Remember that none of the materials are trouble-free. Scratching and periodic resealing will apply to certain materials. All of them will stain if not properly cared for. The only material that does not stain is stainless steel, but it does scratch and the look isn't for everyone.

Tile and granite should be tested out before installing. Certain tile may dull when in contact with vinegar or other foods and chemicals. Test the surface before choosing a specific design. Granite can also contain irregularities. Although they are not noticeable on a 4x4 inch sample, it is best to meet the fabricator upon purchasing and choose the slab yourself.

Backsplash

A backsplash can include wall, sink, and prep area protection which makes the surfaces easy to clean. Once you have chosen a countertop, you will want to decide on the desired look of your backsplash. The overall look of your kitchen can be enhanced by a creative backsplash.

Here is information on some popular backsplash materials and their cost and installation.

Ceramic: Price is compared at $2 per square foot for machine-made tiles. Hand-made tiles compare at $20 per square foot. Mass produced tile murals compare at $45 for a six-tile pattern. Labor and installation is compared at $2.50 to $8.50 per square foot.

If you want versatility, ceramic is the way to go. Its shape, size, and color are among the greatest offers of all backsplash materials. Some different possibilities with ceramic include- a matte finish, a glossy finish, raised edges, textured areas for dimension, ability to rotate tiles, combining different shapes and sizes, and accenting. All of these possibilities can really accent your kitchen.


Stone Tile (Granite and Marble): Price is compared at $10 per square foot and up.
Granite and marble tiles come in multiple colors and textures. A new trend is tumbled marble in 4-inch squares. Because of abrasion and acid wash, it has a pitted surface area with softened colors.

Solid Surfacing: Price is compared at $25 to $30 per linear foot for loose. Integral backsplashes compare at $45 to $50. Full-heights compare at $75 per linear foot.

Solid surfacing can be costly due to the amount of wasted material upon installation. If you chose a solid surface countertop for your kitchen you can ask the fabricator if there are enough materials left over to make a backsplash. This way the fabricator does not have to waste left over and you just may get a backsplash for free.

Metal and Metal Laminates: Price is compared at $140 to $160 per square foot for copper or zinc. Stainless steel compares at $20 per square foot. With less metal material, prices compare at $8 per square foot. Fabrication and installation prices compare at $10.
Fabricators can create a backsplash from any sheet metal. This includes copper, steel, zinc, brass, and nickel. Surface textures include hammered, ribbed, and quilted. The problem with metal laminates is finding a fabricator that specializes in sheetmetal backsplashes.

Make a Splash
Picture the area around and above your countertop as a blank canvas. You or your designer can choose from endless textures and materials that will artistically define your kitchen. Glass, hand-painted porcelain, luxury tiles, gleaming metal, risen dimensional, and natural stones are among the possibilities. Mix, match, and accent away.

Source thehousedesigners.com