| Kitchens (5)

When planning any type of remodel it’s important to consider not only the visual aspects of the project, but also how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home to reduce waste and lower your bills. Plus, energy efficient products are good for the environment, improve indoor air quality, and increase the resale value of your home. Don’t just make it beautiful; make it efficient!

White cabinetry is white hot right now! Back in February we blogged about the top trends in kitchen and bath designs announced in the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) member survey and white cabinets were tops in both categories. The Thompson Remodeling design team would definitely agree that this is a trend we are going to continue to see for some time.

Quartz countertops were named top trends for both kitchen and bath designs this year in the annual National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) member survey. The Thompson Remodeling design team was not at all surprised since quartz has been a popular selection for our clients over the past year.

Who doesn’t love the look of hardwood floors? They are simply stunning and create a warm feeling to any room in the house. Although they are beautiful, they sometimes aren’t the best option for busy households with children and pets. Frequent spills and scattering toys can wreak havoc on a natural wood floor, fortunately there is a great solution – vinyl plank flooring!

How often do you have to rummage around in your kitchen cabinets trying to find that pot or gadget you are trying to find? Most of us find ourselves doing it almost daily. Fortunately, cabinets have come a long way! Now, there are all sorts of cool inserts and built-ins that you can incorporate into your cabinet layout.

Don't forget these 5 items when planning your kitchen remodel. We know there are a lot of things to consider when planning a kitchen remodel. And we bet that you already have a mental list of what you'd like to have in your new kitchen and that's great! To help you with your planning, we've put together a list of five items that you may not have considered, all with the purpose of adding to your kitchen's overall functionality and ease of use.

The definition of the typical household has been changing in recent years. For a variety of reasons, multiple generations of families are deciding to live together under one roof. This type of living arrangement allows for easy child care, live-in care of older or disabled relatives, and it can be economical for everyone involved. But one thing's for sure, most homes are not built to support this kind of living. There are several remodeling projects that have become very popular recently as a result of a current or future need to accommodate a multi-generational living situation. We believe it always makes sense to consider your present and future needs.

Tame the mess with these kitchen storage ideas. Pots, pans, dishes, glasses, flatware, utensils, napkins, cookbooks, sponges, appliances, food...the list is never-ending. All of these things and more need to have a home in your kitchen...somewhere! We've remodeled lots of kitchens over the years and know a thing or two about creative kitchen storage ideas. That's why we've put together this list of 15 ideas to provide you with some great ideas to improve the organization in your kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens are a HOT trend! Homeowners are embracing the trend of adding an outdoor kitchen to their backyard living space. The Weber grill is being pushed aside for fully outfitted outdoor kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, countertops, bar seating, and cabinets. Extending your living spaces outdoors increases your options for entertaining and adds to your personal enjoyment of your home during the warmer months. With an outdoor kitchen, the chef can be a part of the action while your guests and family enjoy the outdoors.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. The island is the hub of the kitchen. Kitchen islands are a key element of your overall kitchen design. And that makes sense since its placement establishes the traffic pattern and is often a main focal point.

Layered light is the best way to enhance ambiance and the overall design aesthetic of the spaces in your home. Lighting planning and selection is one of the most important design aspects of a remodeling project. There are three basic types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Layered lighting is the design principle of combining all three types to create a balance between visual aid for performing tasks and enhancing the design aesthetic and ambiance. A professional designer will know how to design your remodeled space with an effective layered lighting plan.

Important things to consider when remodeling a family-friendly kitchen. Let's face it, the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. Whether it's cooking meals, grabbing a snack or baking cookies, your kitchen is bound to see people of all ages passing through. Creating the family friendly kitchen to accommodate adults and children of all ages can be done. All it takes is looking at your family's habits and planning your design accordingly.