Exquisite Worktops and High-end Kitchen Guide Homeowners The fuel to every person's happiness: food; is stored in a kitchen. We gotta agree that even if life is created in a bedroom, it is certainly lived in a kitchen. Hence, It is undeniable that every homeowner would want to invest mindfully in creating a proper outlook of a place that nourishes the heart of both its family and its guests. While designing a kitchen unlike other spaces of a home one must pay attention to the choice of materials for worktops, floors, sinks, etc that suit the hygiene purposes alongside the aesthetic point of view, which might usually result in a very high budget plan. So this is where practicality hits a common man as no matter what one`s wishlist is, execution ultimately depends on their capability of expenditure. However, with sufficient guidance on kitchen design planning, one can drastically minimise the expenses without necessarily having to purchase cheap worktops. The choice of the right materials is just as important as the ability to financially invest in the same, if not more. This means if a person has enough knowledge of what they are looking for, they can cleverly create an exquisite look under a much lesser budget-friendly scheme. Key Points to Consider When on a Mission to Create a High-end Kitchen Under Restrained Pockets Estimating a Budget Plan: Setting a realistic budget before the investment is a very important aspect which shouldn't be overlooked. According to NKBA, a proper guide to setting one`s kitchen budget while planning a new one should look like- 29% cabinets and hardware, 17% installation, 14% appliances and ventilation, 10% countertops, 7% flooring, 5% walls and ceilings, 5% lighting, 5% faucets and plumbing, 4% doors and windows, 4% design fees and 1% miscellaneous. Pick Your Beautiful Stone for Work-top: As we all know, beauty is not just conventional, so natural stones, as well as engineered stones, are beautiful in their own way. Engineered countertops are still impressively resistant to scratch and stains. They can almost replicate the intrinsic character and sparkle of granite and marbles. The manufacturing technique of engineered stones has made it so that, wherever they are incorporated, they add a sense of style and class. And with minimal maintenance, they can last for a very long time in a household. One can even go for the mix and matching technique where one can use both expensive and inexpensive buys in such a way that the former occupies the areas on display while the latter covers up for other units. Being on a budget, though, must not mean hiring inexperienced fabricators to compromise on cost. The short-term result might be tempting but doing so will only increase the future risk thus being more of a loss than an advantage. However, if one is confident enough in their skills, DIY-ing the fittings will drastically reduce the cost of expenditure. Reusing and Recycling Off Cuts: While extending or renovating one always has the option to think about how some materials from the previous space can be given a second life. Worktops can be altered to fit a new plan, cupboard doors can be fitted to the kitchen and given a fresh look by repainting, and old appliances can be sold on to help contribute towards pitching in some money for purchasing new ones. The stone remnants and offcuts can always be utilised for smaller projects. Check out these Remnants that are available within your region. Flooring: Renovating a floor on a tight budget doesn't necessarily mean that one doesn't care about durability or looks. Ideally, one will still want a decent lifespan and great finish even if it's the most affordable kitchen floor out there. To avail this best possible combination of durability, style, and affordability, consider laminate and vinyl flooring designs. They mimic wood and tile flooring convincingly enough. Work-top Lights: Light fixtures are easy and impactful and one of the easiest ways to upgrade a room's look. Impeccable lighting not only makes the room look stunning but also provides effective task lighting to make the space easier and more enjoyable to use. If the plan is to introduce new lighting to an existing kitchen, one can try using battery-operated LED spotlights and strips that don’t need wiring in. Installing them over worktops, under cabinets and inside open or glass-fronted cupboards can create an expensive appearance. Colour Details: Choosing the right colour of paint has the potential to drastically change the outlook. For example, just visualise a completely white kitchen worktop. Done? Now similarly, a completely black kitchen. You can't deny that both would bring out completely different aesthetic values. Colour is one of the best ways to inject personality into a space but it's important to get the proportions right. For a guaranteed unregretted approach, you can choose neutral tones for the structural elements that are more costly and difficult to replace, including cabinets, floors, worktops, kitchen countertops, and appliances. Then introduce colour with less-expensive updates to the walls, backsplash, window treatments, lighting, and other accents. With this strategy, you can easily and affordably swap out your colour scheme as your tastes and popular trends change. Creating Interest: Worktops One unique way to enhance the design is by introducing an interesting element to catch the eye and provide a focal point. Decorating Walls: Attractive wallpapers add a sense of style to the kitchen. It is a great way to freshen up a room without needing to do a lot of work or spending much money. In a rental property, one can try vinyl wall decals or temporary wallpaper. However, overdoing the work in the hype of excitement will make it worse than doing good. Open Shelf: One can utilize an empty wall for open shelves. It adds more storage and creates a display area. Go for a decorative or contrasting shelf to add character. Keeping the shelves clear of clutter and using them as a design piece to show off styled arrangements of recipe books, beautiful objects and interesting pieces is always recommended. Upgrading Cabinet Doors: Replacing the cabinet doors is a simple way to give the appearance a brand-new look. As long as the units are standard size and the main framework is in good condition, one can just swap the doors without having to worry about the worktop, splashback, plumbing or electrics. Another simple way to upgrade the units is to replace the handles. Vintage cabinets can be given a modification to look contemporary or vice versa with this simple trick. Similarly, cheap, basic-looking handles can be replaced with beautiful handmade ceramic knobs or adding a stylish leather door pull can upgrade the kitchen’s chic factor. With all these points and our collection of stones, you will have an exquisite kitchen right in front of you. Our service charges are minimum to make kitchen renovation an achievable dream for all homeowners. Email info@work-tops.com for free quotes and to know about our special offers.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This client came to us to furnish her new home after having hired us for interior design and furnishings for her previous home. This home, located near downtown Elmhurst, IL, needed the works -- furnishings, paint, and art throughout. Since we worked with her previously, we had a good idea of the client’s design aesthetic and were excited to create something new and fresh! New construction allows a blank slate for interior design, but it can lack in personality. Our client’s goals were to bring warmth and textural elements into her new home. We were most excited to curate artwork for each of the rooms while creating complimentary flow between the pieces and throughout the open floor plan on the main living area. First, we set the mood with a muted color palette. Next, we added layers of texture with contrasting fabrics and rugs to really make a statement in this new construction home. Add in curated abstract artwork, coordinating lighting, and voila! a welcoming home ready for new memories! Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Introducing this backyard remodeling project expertly completed by @seamlessconstruction.inc 's team in the heart of #LosAngeles The project starts with artificial turf welcoming you into the backyard, as per the client’s request, to replace the old driveway’ falling asphalt. Additionally, a strip drain system was added to address the issue of flooding in the ADU caused by heavy rain. To ensure seamless transitions within the backyard, adjustments in elevation were made and a striking set of new stairs were added designed with some under lights. It was crafted using Belgard pavers and Bullnose in graphite color, seamlessly blending with the overall landscape. Next to the ADU, a charming patio was constructed using Mexican tiles and grey grout, elegantly complementing the other side's design. The artificial turf area was thoughtfully created to add recreational space for the homeowners. A raised concrete pad in this section, also featuring Mexican tiles, is planned for future conversion into a spa and cold plunge area, awaiting installation of the amenities. A highlight of the renovation is the captivating fire pit area, decorated with Mexican tiles, matching with the concrete elements. This inviting space is expected to be a favorite spot, especially during colder nights. Throughout the project, careful attention was given to ensure that all elements blended cohesively. Thank you for watching and stay tuned for more exciting projects from Seamless Construction.

www.LeichtCA.com MODO | DESIGN OPTIONS A functional vision for the backsplash. The house of LEICHT has designed the MODO system, focusing on the exciting contrast of metal and natural wood. It will enhance every modern kitchen with it's clear lines and puristic form language. It provides easy access to the required cooking utensils and eases the straight lined kitchen architecture at the same time. A horizontal square railing of stainless steel colored aluminium screwed directly onto the niche back wall, provides the basic support element. Several function elements in lacquered solid oak are suspended here in various positions. The choice of instruments: shelves, paper roll holders, hook rail, utensil holder and a knife block. Separate function items can also be used as a shelf for smaller items. All lighting developed and designed by LEICHT demonstrates energy efficiency class A+ UL listed and is thus highly efficient. premium LED light with 4100 K (Kelvin) luminous color.

Beautiful wine collections need an equally beautiful display. Our customers located in the Streeterville area had an enormous collection, and we provided them with the added illusion of an enormous wine cellar! One of our favorite elements of this modern wine cellar is the mirrored ceiling. This is a creative trick to provide an infinite appearance that will elude to the idea of having hundreds of shelves! Each corner of this modern wine cellar is complemented by our different racking techniques. Our display shelves allow each bottle to have its own moment of appreciation, to create an artful look that is sure to impress. When our client approached us with an idea of housing their extensive wine collection in their modern high rise residence, we were thrilled! After viewing their incredibly modern home, we realized that we could not provide them with a traditional wine cellar. We were presented with an exciting task of reimagining our traditional displays, to a clean and sleek modern design. As designers, maintaining the flow of a home is very important to us and our mission is to enhance the home’s existing features. From the wine cellar door to the ceiling, we were able to bring our A-game and create a complementary extension to our customer’s home. Our custom wine cellar door is equipped with a matching threshold, that holds all of the cold air in place. When you take a step inside, you are greeted from floor to ceiling with exquisite design. From our customer’s collectible storage boxes to 4 upward facing display shelves, you are immediately aware that this is a work of art. Each display shelf is adorned with its own light strip that further draws attention to the collectible wine bottles. As you glance up further, you see our storage shelves in full force. Playing off of the vast collection, we decided to install a mirrored ceiling. This design element allowed us to have some fun, and to further accentuate the large collection. This modern wine cellar is complete with a clear glass insulated Modern door that creates a temperature-controlled environment, conducive for preserving wine for decades. As designers, we were presented with a wonderful opportunity to showcase several of our strong suits. We were able to provide our client with a modern wine cellar, as well as an engineered, temperature-controlled environment. From traditional to modern, we are able to provide your project with the upmost quality wine expertise and guidance. Unsure of where to start, but you just know that you want to? Give us a call or stop into our showroom and we can help provide you with all the necessary details that you will need to get inspired!

The coastal farmhouse beach home is a sanctuary of warmth, comfort and serenity, simple and understated yet alive with your creative design elements. An exciting blend of farmhouse and coastal design it mixes elements of the old world rustic charm and new clean lines, using natural reclaimed wood, earthing metal and distressed vintage furniture to give your home a clean, and earthy look.

When we met these homeowners, they had been gradually updating areas over time and they chose us to help reinvent their family room and master bath. The family room’s inspiration was Florida Coastal, which is our clients’ home away from home. We were charged with bringing in light and bright elements that remind them of the beach. The textural elements, along with watercolors achieved this look. We finished the room off with a nod to mid-century modern in a few pieces just to give the room some unique personality. In the master bath, the homeowners were excited to do something different and out of their comfort zone….enter black tile! An entire wall of beautiful, soft black undulated squares gives a high contrast to the rest of the white tones in the space and earned high marks with our homeowners. The wood appointments add a softened organic touch to ensure it’s not too sterile.

When we met these homeowners, they had been gradually updating areas over time and they chose us to help reinvent their family room and master bath. The family room’s inspiration was Florida Coastal, which is our clients’ home away from home. We were charged with bringing in light and bright elements that remind them of the beach. The textural elements, along with watercolors achieved this look. We finished the room off with a nod to mid-century modern in a few pieces just to give the room some unique personality. In the master bath, the homeowners were excited to do something different and out of their comfort zone….enter black tile! An entire wall of beautiful, soft black undulated squares gives a high contrast to the rest of the white tones in the space and earned high marks with our homeowners. The wood appointments add a softened organic touch to ensure it’s not too sterile.

The Pool Boss transformed this Caldwell, NJ property into an outdoor living space full of amenities. The home and surrounding grounds represent a true blend of rustic and elegant, so it is only fitting that the homeowner chose “The Harmony” pool. Perfectly suited to the home itself, it also expresses a beautiful synergy of classic and modern pool elements. External steps descend into this stunning free-form pool which was also fitted with deck jets and a swim-out in the deep end! Perhaps the most exciting water feature is the adjacent fieldstone hot tub which contains a “spillover” waterfall into the pool. A vibrant fire bowl sits on either side. The surrounding paving stone patio provides style + generous space for poolside lounging. On the opposite end, a handsome fieldstone fire pit provides a cozy gathering space for the colder months. A thin border of shrubs & river stones creates dimension and separates the water space from the green space. Overlooking this oasis is a handsome deck spanning the width of the house. Look up and you’ll admire a rich wood-planked ceiling. Look down and you’ll see a patterned paving stone floor set in a complementary Ashlar pattern. The Pool Boss truly created a space that incorporated the design elements of this lovely house, making it a natural extension of the property as well as an enviable place for entertaining!

The Pool Boss transformed this Caldwell, NJ property into an outdoor living space full of amenities. The home and surrounding grounds represent a true blend of rustic and elegant, so it is only fitting that the homeowner chose “The Harmony” pool. Perfectly suited to the home itself, it also expresses a beautiful synergy of classic and modern pool elements. External steps descend into this stunning free-form pool which was also fitted with deck jets and a swim-out in the deep end! Perhaps the most exciting water feature is the adjacent fieldstone hot tub which contains a “spillover” waterfall into the pool. A vibrant fire bowl sits on either side. The surrounding paving stone patio provides style + generous space for poolside lounging. On the opposite end, a handsome fieldstone fire pit provides a cozy gathering space for the colder months. A thin border of shrubs & river stones creates dimension and separates the water space from the green space. Overlooking this oasis is a handsome deck spanning the width of the house. Look up and you’ll admire a rich wood-planked ceiling. Look down and you’ll see a patterned paving stone floor set in a complementary Ashlar pattern. The Pool Boss truly created a space that incorporated the design elements of this lovely house, making it a natural extension of the property as well as an enviable place for entertaining!

Kathy and Steve recently downsized to this Corvallis home and came to us looking to bring personality to their new space. They were drawn to vibrant and contrasting features, and liked elements of their previous Traditional-styled home but were excited about incorporating modern components while keeping functionality at the forefront of the design. The floor plan of the Kitchen required multiple design iterations to find the perfect fit, as the original house did not offer any connection between spaces, and the ability to entertain guests was a key goal. The final design features a thoughtful mix of straight and curved lines, as well as contrasting patterns and colors. Our designer incorporated functional design elements, such as easy-access drawers for the base cabinets, accessible storage from the backside of the peninsula, a tower cabinet that sits on the Vanity, a hot tub cover with access from the Master Bedroom, and more. This home has been transformed into a fun, functional, and comfortable oasis for Aging in Place.

Beautiful wine collections need an equally beautiful display. Our customers located in the Streeterville area had an enormous collection, and we provided them with the added illusion of an enormous wine cellar! One of our favorite elements of this modern wine cellar is the mirrored ceiling. This is a creative trick to provide an infinite appearance that will elude to the idea of having hundreds of shelves! Each corner of this modern wine cellar is complemented by our different racking techniques. Our display shelves allow each bottle to have its own moment of appreciation, to create an artful look that is sure to impress. When our client approached us with an idea of housing their extensive wine collection in their modern high rise residence, we were thrilled! After viewing their incredibly modern home, we realized that we could not provide them with a traditional wine cellar. We were presented with an exciting task of reimagining our traditional displays, to a clean and sleek modern design. As designers, maintaining the flow of a home is very important to us and our mission is to enhance the home’s existing features. From the wine cellar door to the ceiling, we were able to bring our A-game and create a complementary extension to our customer’s home. Our custom wine cellar door is equipped with a matching threshold, that holds all of the cold air in place. When you take a step inside, you are greeted from floor to ceiling with exquisite design. From our customer’s collectible storage boxes to 4 upward facing display shelves, you are immediately aware that this is a work of art. Each display shelf is adorned with its own light strip that further draws attention to the collectible wine bottles. As you glance up further, you see our storage shelves in full force. Playing off of the vast collection, we decided to install a mirrored ceiling. This design element allowed us to have some fun, and to further accentuate the large collection. This modern wine cellar is complete with a clear glass insulated Modern door that creates a temperature-controlled environment, conducive for preserving wine for decades. As designers, we were presented with a wonderful opportunity to showcase several of our strong suits. We were able to provide our client with a modern wine cellar, as well as an engineered, temperature-controlled environment. From traditional to modern, we are able to provide your project with the upmost quality wine expertise and guidance. Unsure of where to start, but you just know that you want to? Give us a call or stop into our showroom and we can help provide you with all the necessary details that you will need to get inspired!

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This client came to us to furnish her new home after having hired us for interior design and furnishings for her previous home. This home, located near downtown Elmhurst, IL, needed the works -- furnishings, paint, and art throughout. Since we worked with her previously, we had a good idea of the client’s design aesthetic and were excited to create something new and fresh! New construction allows a blank slate for interior design, but it can lack in personality. Our client’s goals were to bring warmth and textural elements into her new home. We were most excited to curate artwork for each of the rooms while creating complimentary flow between the pieces and throughout the open floor plan on the main living area. First, we set the mood with a muted color palette. Next, we added layers of texture with contrasting fabrics and rugs to really make a statement in this new construction home. Add in curated abstract artwork, coordinating lighting, and voila! a welcoming home ready for new memories! Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

When we met these homeowners, they had been gradually updating areas over time and they chose us to help reinvent their family room and master bath. The family room’s inspiration was Florida Coastal, which is our clients’ home away from home. We were charged with bringing in light and bright elements that remind them of the beach. The textural elements, along with watercolors achieved this look. We finished the room off with a nod to mid-century modern in a few pieces just to give the room some unique personality. In the master bath, the homeowners were excited to do something different and out of their comfort zone….enter black tile! An entire wall of beautiful, soft black undulated squares gives a high contrast to the rest of the white tones in the space and earned high marks with our homeowners. The wood appointments add a softened organic touch to ensure it’s not too sterile.

This beloved lake house plan which offers unbelievable style, rustic exterior elements, and an exciting and versatile floor plan. This stunning home was made for an idyllic mountain or lakefront setting and offers exceptional living and entertaining options. The use of natural design elements heighten the rustic feel of the home and provide an excellent backdrop for a mountain or lake setting.

The coastal farmhouse beach home is a sanctuary of warmth, comfort and serenity, simple and understated yet alive with your creative design elements. An exciting blend of farmhouse and coastal design it mixes elements of the old world rustic charm and new clean lines, using natural reclaimed wood, earthing metal and distressed vintage furniture to give your home a clean, and earthy look.

A gorgeous mix of traditional and contemporary style in this Toronto home! We were able to pair old furnishings with new, neutral tones with vibrant ones, and wall decor with exciting new artwork! Since we have worked with these clients before, we knew their design style to the T. The couple was moving from the suburbs to the city, so we wanted to take their usual style (which errs more on the traditional side) and throw in some exciting and bold new elements — new chapter, new look! The design turned out light and airy which is balanced by the vibrant color accents, large artwork, wall coverings, and, one of our favorite pieces, a glamorous puzzle table! Project by Richmond Hill interior design firm Lumar Interiors. Also serving Aurora, Newmarket, King City, Markham, Thornhill, Vaughan, York Region, and the Greater Toronto Area. For more about Lumar Interiors, click here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/summerhill/

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This client came to us to furnish her new home after having hired us for interior design and furnishings for her previous home. This home, located near downtown Elmhurst, IL, needed the works -- furnishings, paint, and art throughout. Since we worked with her previously, we had a good idea of the client’s design aesthetic and were excited to create something new and fresh! New construction allows a blank slate for interior design, but it can lack in personality. Our client’s goals were to bring warmth and textural elements into her new home. We were most excited to curate artwork for each of the rooms while creating complimentary flow between the pieces and throughout the open floor plan on the main living area. First, we set the mood with a muted color palette. Next, we added layers of texture with contrasting fabrics and rugs to really make a statement in this new construction home. Add in curated abstract artwork, coordinating lighting, and voila! a welcoming home ready for new memories! Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!