Kitchen Design Ideas after the Storm

Storms have rolled through Northern Virginia in a big way the last couple of weeks, and combined with the worst heat wave the DC metro area has ever experienced, locals did all they could to stay inside during the 110 degree weather.

During that week, I spent as much time indoors as I possibly could and, maybe it was a bit of cabin fever, but I began fixing things that didn’t need to be fixed, cleaning things that I rarely clean, etc. It was also a great time, maybe for you, also, to assess the layout of your home and kitchen, and take note of some changes you would like to see.

Kitchen Design Ideas

Spending a week indoors, you will become much more familiar with your surroundings than you would ever like to be – even more so than Thanksgiving in the kitchen. That’s why it was the perfect opportunity to collect some unique kitchen design ideas.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation

Kitchen cabinet installation is often a much needed improvement to an outdated kitchen. Whether your kitchen cabinets appear worn down, or they have taken their toll physically, kitchen cabinet installation is a great way to give your kitchen a brand new look.

When searching for kitchen design ideas, it is always great to look at kitchen cabinet installation. This is your opportunity to change the location, size and color of the cabinets, and even the overall functionality, as well – if you need more drawers, larger doors, etc.

If you have a great kitchen design idea or want to speak with us about kitchen cabinet installation, we would love to hear from you at Signature Kitchens! Swing by our kitchen showroom in Haymarket, Virginia or give us a call.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation in Herndon, Virginia by Signature Kitchens

Remodeling & Renovation: What's the Difference?

As a homeowner looking to take on a new project, it is important that you understand exactly what you are getting into and how to express that to those involved. To better explain your new project to contractors, service providers and even building supplies retail centers, we’ll take a look at some very common home improvement terms that are used constantly throughout the industry.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling, or remodeling in general, is a fairly broad term that is used to describe any change to a house. Remodeling carries with it a heavier weight and can often represent a major undertaking. For example, a kitchen remodeling project may involve combining the dining room and the kitchen into one room. This is becoming an extremely popular kitchen remodeling project as it involves a complete transformation of not one but two rooms.

Kitchen Renovation

Smaller scale projects can be categorized as renovations. A renovation is a project that would involve making the room appear new again. Not a complete overhaul, but updating the existing fixtures and overall look of the room. In a kitchen renovation project, you may see cabinet refacing being done, new appliances or light fixtures, or even new flooring. It is essentially taking what exists currently and revitalizing it.

Knowing the difference between these two types of home improvement projects will allow you to communicate your needs and concerns more effectively with building contractors and retail outlets. For all of your kitchen remodeling and kitchen renovation needs, contact Signature Kitchens in Haymarket, Virginia.

The "Work Triangle" for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Home values have increased again this month signifying an upswing in the housing market. As I stated in previous blog entries, kitchen remodeling projects create a highly-valuable return on investment for homeowners. These projects steadily increase in popularity as homeowners continue to sell by creating a memorable atmosphere at the heart of the home.

Layouts for Kitchen Remodeling Projects

Kitchen cabinet installation is one of the most important pieces to your remodel. Kitchen cabinets need to be durable, have ample storage space, and most importantly, they have to look good.

The Correct Location for Your Kitchen Cabinet Installation

In order to find the proper location for your kitchen cabinet installation, you need to understand how you want your kitchen to function. Depending on the size of your kitchen remodeling project, you may be looking for a complete overhaul – changing the location of your stove, cabinets, sink, etc.

A tried and true layout for a kitchen remodel is known as the Work Triangle. According to zillow.com, the triangle should have the stove, sink and refrigerator at its points. They should have plenty of space between each item without any intersecting inhibitors such as a kitchen island or counter. This is used to maximize efficiency in the kitchen and to create a space that promotes a seamless operation and room for guests and loved ones to gather.

Signature Kitchens has a fantastic showroom for everyone to browse through for their kitchen remodeling project ideas. You will be able to select the wood, finish and overall look of your new kitchen cabinets, and even see them paired with counter tops and appliances.

Visit Signature Kitchens in Haymarket, Virginia. We service all of Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Prince William County, Fairfax County and beyond.

Going Green: Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Keeping up with the latest kitchen design trends can be a fun process. New designs are constantly emerging and everything from the economy and location of your home can impact the overall style of a newly built home.

One of the hottest topics for the last several years is “going green.” We hear about it from every company under the sun as businesses shift towards environmentally-friendly products and manufacturing processes.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas for “Going Green”

A trend that continues to gain more steam is incorporating renewable or recyclable products into home building, according to zillow.com. Homeowners are now requesting flooring materials that are environmentally-friendly. The most common solution to that request is bamboo. Since bamboo is considered grass and grows rapidly, it is also considered a renewable option for flooring, and a kitchen renovation idea worth remembering.

Going Green with Cabinet Installation

Gone are the days of lugging armfuls of plastic bottles and cans out to the green recycle bin in your garage. With a society that is more sensitive to recycling and reusing than ever before, homeowners are finding new ways to incorporate the process into their homes through cabinet installation. Separate receptacles for recycling are now hiding underneath kitchen islands and unassuming cabinets. Often found next to the trash can inside the cabinets, recycling bins are conveniently located and at the top of your mind while you dispose of waste.

Courtesy Flickr user erin lanigan

Incorporating the going green process into your kitchen renovation ideas can be a great benefit to the environment and your home. For all of your home’s cabinet installation and kitchen renovation needs, visit Signature Kitchens in Haymarket, Virginia.

Kitchen Remodeling: Enormous Resale Value

In the last few blogs I wrote about the increasing popularity of kitchen remodeling and some of the latest trends. How the kitchen is no longer just a room to cook and eat in, but has become a multipurpose space functioning as the home office, dining room, and the central hub of your home.

Other than the visual appeal that complete kitchen remodeling projects bring, there is a much bigger reason that you should consider updating the most important room in your home: resale value.

Remodeling magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report stated that minor kitchen remodels, including new countertops, appliances, and cabinet refacing, see a national average of receiving a 72% return on investment. Major kitchen remodeling projects including flooring, lighting and cabinet installation see nearly a 66% return on investment.

These numbers are enormous. Nearly 70% of the money you invest into your kitchen, whether cabinet refacing, new countertops and the like, will be returned to you upon the sale of your home. The more current the design and functionality of your kitchen the better. Having your home up to date on the latest trends can add a ton of value to your home’s worth making for an easier sale in the long run and an enjoyable environment while you are still living in the home, as well.

Signature Kitchens specializes in complete kitchen remodeling jobs, as well as minor kitchen renovations, and everything in between: cabinet refacing, cabinet installation, custom pieces, etc. For all of your kitchen makeover needs, contact Signature Kitchens in Northern Virginia today.

Kitchen Remodeling by Signature Kitchens

Kitchen Renovation Ideas: The Trends are Shifting!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about some of the latest trends in kitchen remodeling. With such a dramatic shift in the housing market, the way our country is building and using homes has dramatically changed over the years. With this post, I hope to give you a few more kitchen renovation ideas and keep you educated on the latest trends.

Zillow.com cites another big change in kitchen remodeling. Separate dining rooms and living rooms are becoming extinct as homeowners are requesting more open floor plans. As a child, and even now, I know of very few families who still eat around the table in their dining room. In my eyes, the dining room has become just as formal as the “formal living room.” It’s hardly ever used as families are busier than ever, and do not have time to set up an elaborate meal. If they are eating together, it’s most often around the kitchen table.

An open floor plan appears to be more “free” and welcoming. If the kitchen is the central hub of the home, why not enjoy your meals in it, too? Keep this tip filed under your kitchen renovation ideas.

Kitchen Remodeling for Baby Boomers

Home building is starting to reflect the needs of the Baby Boomer generation. Having been settled in their home, these homeowners are looking towards kitchen remodeling to bring new life to their house. With that in mind, their kitchen remodeling requests are often for accessibility, wider doorways, and even lower countertops.

If you have no plans to move out of your home, remember some of these kitchen renovation ideas as you take the next step towards your kitchen remodeling project.

Call Signature Kitchens for any of your kitchen renovation needs, or stop by our showroom in Haymarket, Virginia!