Things To Know About Marble Countertops
There’s something luxurious about marble, which is why it’s a favorite material in bathroom renovations and kitchen remodels. The material is simply stunning and can really enhance an interior. We love using marble in various projects not just for countertops, but also for bathrooms, showers and islands. It’s an affordable addition with such luxurious aesthetics and goes with a variety of design trends. Here are a few things to know about marble countertops for your next kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel.
1. Marble Is A Porous Surface
When we say porous surface, we mean that the material has pores in it, which are very small crevices that allow air and liquids to penetrate in it. Marble is a porous surface, so if anything is dropped on it, the liquid is able to flow into those small microscopic holes. Because of this, it’s important to seal marble countertops to prevent damage and stands. However, it’s not a permanent solution. You’ll need to reseal the marble countertops about every six months if you’re an avid cook. However, if you do find stains on the surface, you can use ammonia and 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to wipe the stain clean. Despite it’s porous feature, marble is still a great addition to any Los Angeles kitchen renovation project.
2. Marble Is Soft
Marble is not only a porous surface, but also a soft stone. It’s a lot softer than granite, so you want to make sure you don’t lean against your marble island while wearing a metal belt or any long metal jewelry pieces to avoid scratches.
3. Marble Works With Different Designs
One reason we love marble is because it perfectly complements a number of different design styles. Go with a modern look and pair it with chrome accents. You can also add in gold or brass accents for a luxe look. Marble works great with various design styles, which is a reason why it’s so popular right now.
4. Marble Is Heat-Resistant
The stone is heat-resistant, making marble countertops a great ides if you love to bake or cook. but even though it can withstand heat, you don’t want to risk ruining the surface and should still use something in between the hot pan and the marble countertop.
There are various types of marble countertops to consider, depending on your price point. There’s Carrara marble that’s more affordable given it’s readily available while you can opt for a rarer more luxurious stone like Calacatta marble. This option provides a whiter surface and more dramatic grey veining.
5 Things To Remember Before Your Kitchen Renovation
If you’re thinking about investing in a kitchen renovation this year, you’re not alone. Thanks to all the stimulus payments, many homeowners are using that extra money toward fixing up their home. Renovating the kitchen is one of the best ways to spruce up your home and now’s the perfect time to do it. But before you hit the green light on your Los Angeles kitchen renovation project, here are a few things you’l want to remember:
1. Consider The Need For Permits
Certain home upgrades in Los Angeles might require some city government permits. Without these important permits, you might face some challenges when trying to either sell or refinance your home. Lenders and buyers want to check to see if any renovations comply with building regulations and codes. But don’t worry about permits because LA Design Build will take care of everything for you! From design to planning, permit pulling and more, we want your kitchen renovation to be a seamless experience and will handle everything so that you don’t have to.
2. Examine The Plumbing
When thinking about your Los Angeles kitchen remodel, you’ll need to think about the plumbing and if it will need to be moved to accommodate the new design. Again, LA Design Build will tackle this for you! We will check that the correct pipes can be moved to the right places.
3. Consider Storage
When thinking about your new kitchen design, you’ll want to consider storage. Where will you put everything in your new kitchen. Figure how much storage you want and need and then look into. smart storage ideas for even more inspiration.
4. Choose Your Appliances
If you love to cook, you’ll want to keep in mind what type of appliances you’ll need for your new kitchen. After all, what good is your dream kitchen if you don’t have the right appliances to help you really enjoy your ideal kitchen?!
5. Good Lighting Is Important
Don’t forget about lighting! Great lighting in the kitchen is key to the design and its function. You might want to consider different types of lighting. You’ll need some ambient lighting for general lighting and then some task lighting so that you can really focus on various cooking tasks and more. Plus, think about setting the mood when you are entertaining, too.
5 Things To Know Before Your Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation is no easy project. Depending on what you want, a kitchen remodel can be a huge undertaking. It’s not something that can be done overnight. A new kitchen renovation can actually be the biggest home improvement projects you’ll ever invest in for your home. If you’ve never done a kitchen remodel before, the entire process can sometimes be daunting. You’ll need to gather information, design inspiration, look at samples and find the right Los Angeles kitchen renovation contractor that could do the job. Here are some things you should think about before you begin your kitchen remodeling project:
1. Hire A Kitchen Renovation Professional
No one really has the time or knowledge to do their entire kitchen renovation themselves, which is why it’s important to hire the right kitchen remodel professional in Los Angeles. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing your big investment is in good hands. You’ll want to find a kitchen renovation professional in Los Angeles that is qualified, has a vast resume to showcase their work and is reliable and dependable. You’ll also want to get to know the professional so that they can bring your ideal kitchen to life.
2. Have A Budget
A kitchen renovation can be quite costly and it will all depend on the type of renovation you want and the materials you select. Having a set budget in place before you begin will help you figure out what you can afford.
3. Have A Timeframe
You’ll also want to determine a timeframe for your Los Angeles kitchen remodel. Think about how long you can live without the full use of your kitchen. Do you need it done in only four weeks, or maybe you can live without a kitchen for maybe eight weeks. You’ll need to plan around the renovation and your regular life will be different for a while.
4. Do You Have Any Non-negotiables?
Consider which parts of your kitchen remodel you can live with and can’t live without. You’ll need to talk about these non-negotiables with your Los Angeles kitchen contractor to make sure that everyone is on the same page before any renovations start.
5. Think About What You Want
Gathering kitchen renovation inspiration is the fun part of the process. However, it can also be challenging given all the information available. Talk with your LA kitchen remodel contractor to see what their vision is and to get ideas given they are the professionals and could offer you insight that you would have not thought about.
Kitchen Trends for 2021
MOODY KITCHENS
Many times, bright and airy kitchens are what clients request the most. However, 2020 is seeing more requests for darker kitchen tones, resulting in a “moody kitchen.” This sort of modern space resembles a lounge more than it does a kitchen, with darker hues, rich stone accents, antiqued hardware and the like. This “moody kitchen” gives off luxurious vibes and gives the room more character than ever before.
EXPANDED KITCHENS
Those looking to maximize space are asking for expanded kitchens that combine mud rooms, pantries and workspaces with the latest kitchen technology and high-quality appliances so that they can entertain in style. Luxury consumers might want to include a full butler’s kitchen that is hidden from view, but has all the same amenities of a primary kitchen.
SUSTAINABLE KITCHENS
These days, everyone is trying to do their part to become sustainable and modern kitchens are now being upgraded to include things like composting systems and finishes that don’t need as much chemical cleaning. New eco-friendly materials are being requested in many kitchen remodels, making the highly used room sustainable for the eco-conscious consumer.
STREAMLINED KITCHENS
Today’s modern family/consumer is busier than ever, which is why a streamlined kitchen is a must when undergoing a kitchen renovation project. Incorporating elements that increase efficiency and streamlines tasks is highly appreciated these days. The most modern kitchen will now incorporate useful technology in addition to elevated design. Things like smart appliances, touchless drawers and cabinets and more are all seeing an increase in remodel requests.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Outdoor eating and cooking has always been popular and outdoor kitchens are becoming the norm. Creating outdoor entertainment areas, complete with a kitchen-esque area, is high on many consumers’ list, which is why outdoor kitchen renovations are highly requested now. Outdoor kitchens have gone way beyond just a typical bar area and grill and now include dual-zone wine coolers, smart grilling accessories, pizza ovens and so much more.
Benefits of a Hood Range In Your Kitchen
Better Air Quality
Range hoods are not only nice to look at, but their main job is to improve the air quality of the kitchen when you’re cooking. It’s meant to remove and filter hazardous air pollutants like grease, smoke and steam when you’re cooking so no to be inhaled by your family or damage the surrounding walls.
Reduce Carbon Monoxide
Heating and cooking appliances and equipment are main sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. Without the right ventilation, carbon monoxide can cause serious damage to your family’s health. A range hood helps prevent this problem and will filter out the carbon monoxide in the air.
Reduces Excess Heat
It can get quite hot when cooking, so range hoods are preferred since they provide relief for cooks and will protect the entire kitchen by cooling off the area.
Protection For Your Family
The range hood will act as a filter, cleaning any hazardous, irritating or harmful pollutants. It actually offers your family more safety benefits than other appliances in your kitchen.
Comfort While Cooking
Cooking can be uncomfortable at times because of the steam, smells, heat and stuffiness of the area. But a range hood will reduce those discomforts so that you can enjoy cooking.
More Lighting
You’ll be able to have additional lighting while your’e cooking thanks to an overhead range hood. Some luxury and high-end designer range hood appliances have special lighting effects that enhance the area.
Less Time Cleaning
Cleaning above or behind the stove and nearby cabinets can be tiresome given there is often a sticky film that’s coated with dust. This is caused by the excess moisture and grease in the air from cooking without proper ventilation. A range hood removes moisture and grease, so it helps decrease how much time you spend cleaning!
Stylish Appliance
With a range hood part of your kitchen remodel, you’ll have a stylish kitchen with a modern appearance! There are tons of different options when it comes to range hoods and you’ll be able to find one that fits perfectly with your dream kitchen.
Adding a range hood to your kitchen remodel design not only helps create a better looking kitchen, but is also a very functional appliance for your new dream kitchen. At LA Design Build, we can easily incorporate a hood range in your Los Angeles kitchen renovation project! We’ll provide you with manufacturer suggestions, model suggestions and more. Contact us for your LA kitchen remodel project today!