The kitchen is one of the most popular yet costly home remodeling projects. It can also add the most value to a house, as it is the hub of a family’s daily activities.

Houston Kitchen Remodeling involves crucial alterations and innovative ideas, such as reworking layouts or adding more storage solutions. Renovation, on the other hand, focuses on updating what’s already there.

Cabinets are a staple in the kitchen, offering storage space for culinary supplies and various ingredients. They can also be used throughout the home, such as in bathrooms and basements. With smart design and installation, cabinets can offer seamless storage solutions across multiple areas of your home.

One of the first things homeowners need to consider when planning a remodel is how much they can afford. It’s essential to establish a budget before proceeding with the project, as this will determine the scope and materials used. Then, it’s time to start thinking about the style and features you want in your new space. Cabinets are available in a wide range of styles, finishes and sizes, so there’s sure to be an option that fits your vision.

The Difference Between a Cabinet and a Cupboard

A cabinet is usually considered to be furniture with doors and drawers. A cupboard, on the other hand, is a six-sided wooden box closed on five sides with a door or drawers on the sixth side. Cabinets are designed to fit specific dimensions within a room, while cupboards can be customized in size.

The type of cabinet construction can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Framed cabinets, which are typically the more traditional option, feature rails and stiles that form a face frame at the front of the cabinet box. Full access cabinets, which are more modern in appearance, do not have a face frame at all. This allows the drawers to be sized almost perfectly to the interior opening of the cabinet.

Some modern cabinet trends include using a variety of hardware to customize the look of the space. Push to open is an option that eliminates the need for handles, and is popular in high end kitchens. Lazy susans, a type of turntable that can be mounted in a corner or between two cabinets, are another way to make lower cabinet contents easier to reach without uncomfortable or dangerous crouching.

Cabinets can be a great place to store decorative items, such as china or art. However, the clutter can quickly build up if not contained. Installing a set of wall cabinets about 2 feet (70 centimeters) above a work area can provide a convenient place to stash craft supplies, such as decorative papers, ribbon, yarn and other wayward materials.

Countertops

Countertops are more than workhorses in a kitchen; they define the overall design and style of a space. A beautiful countertop can inspire decisions about color, cabinetry and even seating like stools. So when it comes to choosing countertops for your remodel, there’s no wrong answer.

Today’s kitchen design trends encourage mixing countertop materials to create a balanced and functional look. Choose a warm and natural material like butcher block for the area of your kitchen where you’ll be slicing veggies or rolling pastry, while using solid surfacing for other areas that need to stand up to heat and moisture.

Quartz is a popular choice for modern countertops due to its durability and seemingly limitless color and pattern options. It requires little maintenance and resists scratches, stains and other common damage better than most countertop materials.

Granite is another timeless and durable countertop material. It is a classic that pairs well with many design styles, from Minimalist to Modern. Its veining and distinctive markings make it a stylish choice for any kitchen.

Laminate countertops are affordable and come in a variety of colors, patterns and textures to match any decor. With easy DIY refinishing kits at your disposal, you can revamp outdated laminate countertops and give them the appearance of natural stone or modern concrete.

If you’re not ready to invest in a full countertop replacement, consider revitalizing your existing surface with a paint job. Many homeowners use DIY refinishing kits to breathe new life into old laminate or tile countertops, achieving the look of granite or natural stone for less.

If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, it may not be practical to replace your countertops with a material that will drastically change the look of your kitchen. However, your current countertops may still function well and provide a good return on investment when you’re ready to sell. In that case, you could repurpose or upcycle your old countertops in other parts of the house. For example, an old countertop might make a great workbench in the garage or a sturdy nightstand.

Flooring

The right flooring can make a huge difference in your kitchen. Choose a material that is durable and easy to clean. Some materials can also resist water and staining better than others. It is important to consider comfort as well, especially if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen standing. Many people find that hard surfaces are uncomfortable over long periods of time.

It is best to install the floors before you install the cabinets. This will give you a smooth, finished appearance that will help your cabinet installation go more smoothly. However, if your budget is tight, you can install the cabinets first and then install the flooring.

Flooring options include tile, vinyl, wood, and laminate. There are a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available to complement any décor. Tile is a popular choice because it is durable and water-resistant. It can also be refinished in the future to refresh its look. Vinyl is an affordable option that offers similar qualities to tile, but it comes in a variety of styles and colors to match any kitchen. Wood and bamboo are also durable and water-resistant. They come in strand woven, engineered, and solid forms, and can be refinished.

A kitchen renovation is a great way to add value to your home. However, it is important to make sure that you do not over-remodel your home. If you spend too much money on a kitchen remodel, you may not get enough back when it is time to sell.

To ensure that your kitchen remodel is successful, you need to take the time to think about what your goals are for your kitchen. If your current layout is not functional for you and your family, or if it has wasted space, you may need to consider a full remodel. It is also important to determine how much value you want to add to your home, and how that will impact the cost of your remodel. If you are unsure, you can hire a professional kitchen remodeling contractor to assist you in creating the perfect kitchen for your lifestyle and budget.

Lighting

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where families gather and meals are prepared. It’s no wonder that the kitchen is one of the top areas homeowners want to remodel. It is important to remember when remodeling your kitchen that the goal should not be to increase your home’s resale value but to design a kitchen you enjoy. A few simple updates can dramatically change the look of your kitchen and improve its functionality.

Lighting is an important part of any room, but it’s especially vital in the kitchen. Adding more light can instantly brighten up the space, making it feel bigger and more inviting. It’s also a great way to highlight the kitchen’s features. There are three primary types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting illuminates the entire space and is usually a ceiling fixture. Task lighting, such as pendants over the island or under-cabinet lights, illuminates workspaces and makes it easier to perform tasks, like chopping vegetables. Accent lighting, such as sconces or strip lighting, highlights special features like artwork or open shelving.

For a more dramatic impact, opt for a statement lighting fixture. This could be a large chandelier or something more understated that resembles a sculpture. Pendant lights have become very popular in the kitchen and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials. For a modern look, choose fixtures with sleek metal finishes.

If you have a vaulted or slanted ceiling, consider using flexible chains to hang your pendant lights so that they don’t rest on the ceiling. This is a great solution if you’re not able to install a full pendant system because it allows you to use the ceiling space efficiently.

Another option is to add recessed or track lighting. This can be installed during your remodel and will give you the flexibility to add a decorative fixture later on if you decide you want to change it up. Just make sure you have the infrastructure in place to support your decorative fixture when it’s time to add it. Installing the junction box and recessed boxes during your kitchen remodel is an inexpensive and easy way to future-proof your lighting.

Custom Blinds And Shades are made to fit your specific window dimensions, creating a more polished look than ready-made options. Plus, they can be motorized for convenience.

Custom Blinds And Shades KY have an extensive selection of stylish shades and blinds, including designer collabs. It also offers free design appointments online or in-store, as well as installation video tutorials on its website.

Interior design is the art of transforming living spaces into personal havens that exude the homeowner’s sense of style and build an ambiance that resonates with them. Whether you prefer clean lines, subtle elegance, or boldly patterned fabrics, custom blinds and shades allow you to frame your windows in the look and feel that’s unique to you.

Blinds are window coverings that feature slats that you can tilt open or closed, allowing you to manipulate light and create privacy. The slats are available in a wide range of materials and colors, giving you plenty of options to complement your decor.

Shades are softer, more delicate window treatments that fold and stack to cover your windows. They are generally made of fabric, and they come in a variety of styles including Roman shades, roller shades, and cellular shades. They can offer the same privacy and light control as blinds, but they also come with many aesthetic options, such as a sheer fabric that allows natural light to filter into the room.

When you choose a woven wood or bamboo shade, for example, your room gets the tropical Bali vibe that’s so popular. These shades are made of environmentally friendly materials and they’re a great option for large windows in living rooms or even for sliding glass doors.

Sheer curtains are the perfect window treatment to add a soft, subtle elegance to any room. The floaty fabrics gently filter and diffuse natural light, softening the overall lighting in your space. They’re available in a variety of colors, and you can get them with blackout or light-filtering liner options to suit your desired privacy level.

Cellular shades combine the beauty of a shade with the energy efficiency of a honeycomb. Their honeycomb-like cells trap air, providing an extra layer of insulation to help keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Cellular shades are also available in a wide selection of colors, textures, and patterns to match your decor.

Custom shades are tailored to your specific window size and shape, ensuring they’ll integrate seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Ready-made shades are manufactured in a set number of sizes and only fit a few types of windows, which is why they tend to be more expensive than custom blinds.

Light Control

One of the biggest advantages of custom window blinds and shades is that they can help you control the amount of sunlight that enters your home. You can let the sun shine in or block it out entirely, depending on your needs and preferences. There are many fabrics, materials, designs, and controls that can be customized to provide you with the perfect level of light control.

Ready-made window blinds may seem to offer a similar benefit when it comes to controlling the amount of light that enters your home, but the difference lies in quality. Generally, ready-made window blinds are of lower quality and won’t fit your windows perfectly. They also usually come with a limited selection of fabric options, which can limit your design choices.

By contrast, when you choose custom blinds and shades from Stoneside, you’ll get a superior product with a tailored fit, unlimited fabric options, and intelligent motorization. You can operate your new window blinds and shades manually or with the PowerView app on your mobile device, or by using your voice with Siri on Apple devices or Google Assistant.

In addition to providing better light control than standard window blinds and shades, custom-made window blinds and shades also last longer and function more efficiently than their ready-made counterparts. This is because of the careful attention that goes into their measurement and fabrication. This high level of quality ensures that your custom window shades will fit your windows perfectly and stay in good working condition for a long time, giving you peace of mind and a beautiful view out your windows for years to come.

To learn more about how a custom shade or blind from Stoneside can improve your home’s beauty and functionality, give us a call! Our experienced designers are here to guide you in your selections and answer any questions. We proudly serve homeowners in Boston, Hartford, and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Privacy

Custom blinds and shades are crafted to fit a window’s exact dimensions. This not only helps them look beautiful, but it also improves their insulating properties and light control capabilities. Plus, unlike generic ready-made blinds, they can accommodate any type of window or skylight shape and size.

With so many different options available, you can easily find a shade that meets your privacy needs. If you’re looking to let in plenty of natural light during the day but want full privacy at night, opt for a pair of sheer shades with slats that rotate and adjust. You can open the slats slightly for a diffused view of the outside world or close them completely to block out light and the outside view.

Cellular shades are another great option for both light control and privacy. Their unique design creates air pockets that act as insulators, helping keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They’re also a good choice for anyone concerned about environmental impact, as they can help cut energy costs while contributing to a greener home.

If you’re interested in achieving a more rustic, natural look in your space, consider woven wood shades. They’re the best choice for privacy without total darkness, and they’re also incredibly stylish. They’re also quite affordable, as you can typically get a decent pair for around $150 – $200.

Both drapes and shades are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to complement any decor style. They’re also easy to clean, which is a big benefit for households with kids and pets. A gentle dusting or a quick vacuuming usually takes care of most problems, though tough stains and excessive dirt may require professional cleaning.

Motorized shades are the pinnacle of convenience and modernity in window treatments. They can be controlled with a remote, your mobile device, or even voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant. You can also schedule them to adjust automatically throughout the day to give your home a lived-in look while you’re away.

While they’re not as durable as blinds, motorized shades are a great option for homeowners who prioritize ease of use and functionality. They’re also available in a variety of finishes and features, including blackout and thermal liners for enhanced insulation.

Energy Efficiency

Besides adding beauty to your home, custom window treatments help reduce energy costs by preventing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. They also prevent harmful UV rays from fading furniture, fabrics and other decor. Depending on the fabric and style of the shade, it can provide effective insulating properties and offer a range of light control options.

The best energy efficient window treatment is a cellular (honeycomb) shade, which traps air in pockets to create an effective barrier that prevents heat and cold from passing through your windows. They’re available in single, double and triple-cell configurations to meet your specific needs. The more cells a shade has, the higher its insulating properties.

Another good option is a roller shade, which provides similar insulating benefits to a cellular shade and also allows for full view of the outdoors while maintaining privacy. They’re also easy to operate, and can be rolled up or down to adjust the amount of sunlight you get in your room throughout the day.

Both types of shades are offered in an array of colors and designs to match your home’s aesthetic. They also work well with a variety of window frames, including bay, bow and casement windows.

One of the biggest advantages that custom blinds and shades have over ready-made ones is their ability to fit your windows precisely. This ensures no gaps where air can leak in or out, which maximizes their insulating abilities. They’re also generally made in the USA, whereas many ready-made shades are mass-produced overseas and don’t offer as much flexibility when it comes to size and color.

When it comes to caring for your custom blinds and shades, regular dusting and routine cleaning are key to preserving their performance and appearance. Use a feather duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to keep dust and debris at bay, and wipe away spills and stains as soon as they occur. By keeping up with this maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy your window coverings for years to come.