If you’ve chosen to redo your kitchen floors, the great news is, you have a ton of options to choose from. But that variety of choices can definitely prove overwhelming! Here are our recommendations for the best flooring options for kitchen remodels, with an overview of the pros and cons for each.
 
What Should I Look For in Kitchen Floors 
 
Before we dive into the numerous options of floors for kitchens, it may be helpful to understand some of the key consideration factors for your kitchen remodel, as well as mistakes to avoid.
 
Water-Resistant or Waterproof
 
Considering that a lot of cooking, cleaning and general messiness happens in the kitchen, water-resistance or, even better, waterproofing is a key consideration in weighing your floor options. “Water-resistant” on the label is essential, otherwise you’ll spend just as much time wiping liquids off your kitchen floor as you will actually using it. If you want to go a step further and you’re going to invest in a room with waterproof floors, the kitchen (or bathroom) is a good place to do it.
 
Durable
 
Kitchens are full of appliances, pots, pans, cookware, and lots of other heavy items. Investing in a floor that’s durable and will withstand moderate drops and cookware tumbles is necessary. For this reason, it’s better to opt for an extremely durable floor, that is more resistant to scrapes, scuffs, and gouges from dropped kitchen materials.
 
Comfort
 
For many of the same reasons as listed above, choosing a floor that’s slightly softer may save the lives of many plates and coffee mugs that may suffer an unfortunate slip. If you opt for an extremely hard floor, you’re likely to see more kitchen casualties.
 
Safety
 
By nature, your kitchen will see a lot of movement. Combine moving bodies with a pretense for spills and liquid on the floor and counters, and kitchens present a potentially unsafe situation. Doing your research on your new kitchen floor safety factor (such as slickness) will help create a safer space.
 
Style
 
Take it from HGTV and choose floors that complement your kitchen, whether it’s rustic and country-style or cutting-edge contemporary. “Consider the kitchen’s size, as well as existing colors, textures, and patterns. Should the large surface underfoot serve as a neutral backdrop or a vivid focal point?”
 
Popular Types of Kitchen Floors
 
Below we’ll review some of the most popular types of kitchen floors, as well as reasons to choose or not choose each one.
 
 Engineered Wood Floors
 
A kitchen floor trend that has grown in popularity in recent years in engineered hardwood. Here’s everything you need to know about this flooring option for kitchens.
 
What is Engineered Hardwood?
 
Engineered hardwood is a variation of true hardwood, but only the top and bottom layers of the material consist of real wood. The inner layers are made of plywood, high-density fiberboard or, sometimes, actual hardwood. The top layer is usually hardwood veneer, but can also be composed of true hardwood.
 
Engineered Hardwood Benefits
 
Engineered hardwood is especially good at handling moisture and dampness, which is why it’s very common for below-grade installations, like basements. It is very stable and versatile, especially compared to softer options, like laminate flooring.
 
In addition, engineered hardwood has the advantage of being easy to maintain, as well as a more affordable flooring choice. Since engineered hardwood flooring requires only a thin slice of the desired wood as the top layer, the cost is less than solid hardwood, but looks virtually the same.
 
Engineered Hardwood Drawbacks
 
While engineered hardwood is cheaper than solid hardwood, it’s not cheaper than laminate or carpet, so it’s not the most affordable kitchen flooring option out there. In addition, you have to be extra careful with your brand selection – some veneers are poorly made and can prematurely warp or fade. Furthermore, some manufacturers try to cut corners by using fiberboard, which could compromise the stability of your floor.
 
Tile Floors
 
Perhaps one of the most classic trends for kitchen floors, and one of the most long-standing options is tile floors. Here’s why this option typically ranks among the best flooring for kitchen remodels.
 
What Are Tile Floors?
 
Tile flooring is a natural choice for kitchens because it’s durable, water-resistant, and easily keeps stains at bay. Plus, there are so many options within the tile flooring world that it’s incredibly easy to find the exact look you desire for your kitchen.
 
Types of Tile Flooring
 
Kitchen floor tile comes in three types: porcelain, ceramic and stone. Prices of each type run the gamut, from $2 to $100 per square foot.
 
Porcelain tile carries the added benefit of being “certified” as porcelain. It also has an incredibly low water absorption rate. It is one of the most durable tile options because “porcelain clays are denser and thus less porous than ceramic clays,” which makes porcelain tile harder and more impervious to moisture than ceramic tile. Ceramic tile floors are slightly softer than porcelain, and also tends to be a slightly cheaper option.
 
Natural stone tile is produced from natural materials that are quarried, slabbed, finished, and cut to size. Common types of stone used as flooring tile include granite, marble, limestone (including travertine), and slate.
 
Tile Floor Benefits
 
Tile floors are a great choice for kitchens because they can withstand heavy foot traffic, water, spills and they don’t absorb odors or bacteria, which makes tile floors one of the most hygienic kitchen floor options. And in addition to there being thousands of styles of tile flooring to choose from, you can also add another layer of customization to your home, since tile can be arranged in a multitude of patterns.
 
Tile Floor Drawbacks
 
The hardness that makes tile so desirable as a kitchen floor surface can also be a drawback. People who spend a lot of time in the kitchen will want to put down floor mats or rugs since standing on tile for long periods of time can be tough on the body. In addition, tile is sure to be cold on brisk winter mornings, and the hard surface will not be forgiving on any dropped items.
 
Vinyl Flooring
 
Accounting for around 15% of annual flooring expenditures in the country, vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular floor choose for homeowners, and it’s easy to see why.
 
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
 
Vinyl flooring was originally invented in the 1930s following World War II, and by the 1950s had become a major competitor against other flooring options, specifically linoleum.
 
Types of Vinyl Flooring
 
There are three major types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring, tile flooring, and plank flooring. With sheet vinyl flooring, the vinyl flooring material is laid down in sheets that can range from 6 or 12 feet wide. Due to the larger pieces, sheet flooring is more water-resistant than other types of vinyl flooring. It also is easier to install.
 
Another type of vinyl flooring is tile flooring, which uses tiles of 9×9” or 12×12″. Many homeowners prefer vinyl tile, which replicates the look of a ceramic tile floor at a more affordable cost.
 
The last type of vinyl flooring is vinyl plank flooring, which has become an increasingly popular option. Vinyl plank flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, and comes in strips. One of the advantages of plank flooring is the range of styles that are out there for homeowners to choose from, all mimicking different types of wood, but without the large price tag.
 
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
 
One of the biggest draws of vinyl flooring is the durability – specifically its resistance to water. Most vinyl flooring is 100% moisture-resistant. In addition, vinyl flooring is wildly affordable. When it comes to cost, vinyl is one of the most affordable flooring options out there, especially compared to options like stone, tile or hardwood. At the low range, vinyl can cost as little as fifty cents per square foot, and most never exceed moderate cost levels.
 
Vinyl is also very durable as well as relatively easy to maintain. If well-taken care of, your vinyl floors can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years.
 
Drawbacks of Vinyl Flooring
 
Because vinyl products are so soft, they have tend to warp to any particles left beneath them during installation. For example, a trapped bit of dirt could eventually become a bump in your vinyl floor. This means that homeowners need to be extra cautious in the installation process, and do a significant amount of prep work.
 
And although vinyl is durable, it is not impossible to damage – dropping sharp knives or other heavy objects in your kitchen is likely to leave a mark.
 
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
 
Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the fastest-growing flooring types in the world right now — it is a modern, beautiful, durable and affordable flooring solution that can stand against some of the most expensive flooring options out there.
 
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
 
Luxury vinyl flooring bears some similarities to regular vinyl flooring, but “luxury” vinyl flooring (LVF) differs from standard vinyl flooring in its ability to closely mimic the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone.
 
Typically luxury vinyl flooring is thicker than other types of vinyl flooring, and looks much more realistic in its resemblance to classic hardwood. It accomplishes this resemblance with a surface layer that has a very realistic photo-created image of real wood, combined with textures that resemble that of the real materials.
 
Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
 
There are a few specific types of luxury vinyl flooring. One of the most popular options is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which has a wide range of design options, and can replicate the look of natural stone or wood flooring, without the extensive installation or maintenance costs associated with either.
 
Another popular type of luxury vinyl is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). As the name implies, Luxury Vinyl Planks look like planks of hardwood floors, especially since they are individual pieces of vinyl, not sheet vinyl.
 
There is a subset of Luxury Vinyl Plank called Engineered Vinyl Plank (or EVP). EVP is incredibly durable, and has a realistic hardwood look and feel. Perhaps the biggest differentiator of EVP from other vinyl or floor types is that it is waterproof.
 
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
 
Arguably the biggest “pro” of luxury vinyl flooring is that with it, you can achieve a near-perfect hardwood look for a fraction of the cost – the average hardwood floor costs between $8-$25/square foot, while luxury vinyl costs around $2-$5/square foot.
 
While vinyl flooring offers the clear benefit of being water-resistant, only luxury vinyl flooring can offer the added benefit of being completely waterproof. For this reason, engineered luxury vinyl is a great selection moisture-prone areas in the home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and mudrooms.
 
Luxury vinyl flooring, specifically engineered vinyl planks, are much more comfortable on your feet than other cheaper options. Plus it carries the added benefit of both temperature and sound insulation, so you won’t have to worry about cold winter floors or extra loud footsteps.
 
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
 
While vinyl flooring is low maintenance and highly durable, as with any product, there are a handful of “cons” to be aware of. For example, like regular vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl flooring is durable but not impossible to damage. Perhaps the biggest loophole to be aware of is that, despite the name of the product, luxury vinyl flooring won’t improve the value of your home in the same way that hardwood or tile does.
 
Cork Flooring
 
For those prioritizing comfort in their kitchen floor selection, cork is a great option.
 
What Is Cork Flooring?
 
Cork is “harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree—a beech relative that grows primarily in the Mediterranean. The material is ground, mixed with resins, and cut into floors. Cork flooring straddles the line between resilient and engineered floor categories”.
 
Benefits of Cork Flooring
 
Cork is the most comfortable kitchen floor choice. Its inherent softness and springiness make standing for long periods much easier on backs, legs, and feet. And, if you drop a glass or coffee mug, they are less likely to shatter on cork than on other, harder surfaces.
 
In addition, cork works as a natural insulator – not only is it warmer under foot than other flooring choices, but it also muffles sound and helps to reduce energy bills. This quality makes cork a great floor selection for large family homes.
 
Drawbacks of Cork Flooring
 
While cork flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors, there is slightly more limited array than with other popular flooring choices, like luxury vinyl. Also, cork flooring is susceptible to fading, especially when placed in the path of direct sunlight. For this reason, many homeowners elect to have their cork floors refinished every few years. This quality, in combination with the fact that cork floors must be kept free of dirt and sand (since they can scratch the surface over time), make core flooring more high maintenance than some other flooring options.
 
Cork flooring is also not sustainably waterproof, which makes it a difficult choice for the kitchen – it must be sealed every 5 years to keep it water resistant.

To add an island or not… Take this quiz to find out if you should add an island to your kitchen!

Designing a bathroom layout or completing a bath remodel that is both functional and stylish can be difficult in any scenario. This is especially so when that space also needs to be American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The ADA was put in place in an effort to ensure that disabled people have equal access and convenience in public spaces. Maintaining compliance with the ADA is mandatory for businesses and public establishments, but is not required in private home spaces.

However, it can still be beneficial and prudent to incorporate within private residences as well. The focal point of ADA guidelines for bathroom layouts is measurement and spacing of several elements within the bathroom, such as the shower. It is vital that an accessible bathroom layout allow any person to be able to move freely around the space and access the fixtures, even when confined to a wheelchair. It is also important that fixture and door locations be within ADA guidelines to allow ease of maneuvering.

In addition to these elements, the ADA also mandates that grab bars be included in the bathroom by both the toilet and in bathtubs or showers. Whether you are looking to create an ADA bathroom design to make your private residence more inclusive or to have an ADA compliant bathroom design within your business, there are a number of different ADA bathroom layout items to consider that will allow your space to be both accessible and stylish. To help you create an aesthetically pleasing ADA bathroom, we have put together ten ADA bathroom layout ideas that maintain style while still being compliant.

• Curbless Walk-In Shower: Incorporating a curbless walk-in shower will make a space feel modern, sophisticated, and appealing, while also making it possible for people confined to a wheelchair to easily enter the shower without assistance.
• Occupancy Sensors for Lights and Fans: When generating an ADA bathroom layout, it is important to consider how individuals will access all switches and fixtures within the space. To minimize interaction with switches and automate processes, using occupancy sensors for lights and fans will allow you to have a space that feels technologically savvy, stylish, and ADA compliant.
• Modern, Lowered Height Toilet: In order to make all fixtures and elements within the bathroom accessible, some heights may have to be adjusted, including that of the toilet. To incorporate a toilet that still adds style to the space, target a modern, lowered height toilet.
• Wall-Mounted Sink: The inclusion of a wall-mounted sink within an ADA bathroom layout allows for both functionality and style to coexist. A wall-mounted sink will allow disabled persons confined to a wheelchair to be able to access the sink with ease, while also incorporating a design piece within the space.
• Unique Grab Bars: To create an ADA compliant bathroom layout, it is necessary to have strategically placed grab bars in the space in accordance with ADA guidelines. However, these grab bars do not need to be an eyesore within the space but rather can be a stylistic addition that enhances the space. To combine safety with elegance, select unique grab bars that have high-end finishes, such as stainless steel or brass, with a creative design. One unique grab bar that can add a stylish flair to a bathroom is a “wave” style grab bar, which possesses a flowing shape that offers the support needed while enhancing the style of the bathroom.
• Automated Sinks/Toilets: The most efficient ADA bathroom layouts incorporate the latest technological advancements to enhance the ease of use and prevent any potential compliance issues. One technological advancement to incorporate within an ADA bathroom layout is automated sinks and toilets. Automated sinks and toilets will simplify use and prevent the need to move handles, while also adding to the style and efficiency of the space.
• Large, Open Shower with Seating: Having a shower seat is not only ADA compliant but can be a design feature within the space that makes it seem inviting and relaxing. Pick a modern, sleek tile in the shower layout to further enhance your bathroom space.
• Unique Towel Bars: When creating an ADA bathroom layout, it is important to consider how an individual will dry their hands. Towel bars may need to be mounted at a lower level to be accessible, but can be a stylistic addition by choosing an ornate, unique towel bar and decorative towels to accompany it.
• Wall Mounted Vanity with Side Cabinet Storage: In order to make sure a bathroom vanity is still accessible without sacrificing storage space, including a wall-mounted vanity with side cabinet storage accomplishes both ADA compliance with the addition of useful storage space.
• Open Floor Space with Unique Flooring: As mentioned above, one of the main tenants of ADA regulations for bathroom layouts is the measurements and spacing of various bathroom element. This often requires open floor space to accommodate disabled people confined to a wheelchair to ensure all elements are accessible. While open floor space can seem like it would make the space awkward, it can actually become a design accent when incorporating unique flooring, such as a patterned tile.

As you can see, it is easy to incorporate style with ADA compliance. These 10 layout ideas can help you enhance your current design while also creating an easy to use bathroom for everyone.

If you’re deciding between the numerous types of kitchen and bathroom countertop materials, you’re aware that you have several options. Soapstone is one of the most popular options for countertops and for good reason. Here’s why you should consider soapstone countertops and an overview of the soapstone pros and cons.
 
 
Why Choose Soapstone?
 
Soapstone is an incredibly popular countertop and household material, and it has been for centuries. With an elegant milky appearance, soapstone is a naturally occurring stone material that instantly creates a rustic look where installed. Many homeowners love the natural charm of soapstone, which has driven the material up in popularity over the last several years.
 
When it comes to soapstone, you have a lot of options. There are two different materials popularly referred to as “soapstone” including talc and steatite. Slabs with lots of talc have been used by sculptors through the ages due to its softness. Steatite with less talc is hard enough for use in countertops and fireplace surrounds.
 
All are types of metamorphic rock and largely composed of the mineral talc, and are used for modern household countertops. Soapstone is softer than most other naturally occurring minerals, but it is dense and non-porous, even more so than slate, marble, and surprisingly even granite. Soapstone, like granite, is heat, stain and liquid resistant, making soapstone countertop care relatively easy.
 
 
Pros of Soapstone
 
The highly resistant quality of soapstone is one of the major “pros” of choosing this material for your countertops. Although it is soft in comparison to other countertop types, it still is largely stain, chip, and damage-resistant. As long as you avoid placing heat directly on soapstone countertops, refrain from dropping heavy glass objects or cast iron on it, and avoid cutting directly on top of it, soapstone is a durable enough material to last you years.
 
For this reason, soapstone countertop care is a light task. Since soapstone is extremely dense, it’s difficult for liquids to absorb into the countertop, which helps with stain prevention. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is to wipe up any spills right away with a damp cloth. All that’s needed to keep soapstone counters clean is a common household cleaner, a soft pad, and usually a water-dampened cloth and dry towel to finish off the job.
 
Another considerable advantage of choosing soapstone for your countertops is the aesthetic appeal. Soapstone has a very natural look and provides warmth to the environments it’s installed within. These are the primary reasons why soapstone countertops are especially popular in country kitchens.
 
Furthermore, when it comes to any soapstone countertops, no two slabs are ever the same – it’s the unique nature of the material. The one that you have decorating your kitchen will never be duplicated in any other home.
 
And, if you’re an advocate of environmental sustainability, soapstone countertops may be your best bet. Soapstone countertops are naturally harvested from the earth and simply custom cut to fit kitchens and living spaces. It’s a truly all natural option and requires no manufacturing to make it beautiful or finished.
 
 
Cons of Soapstone
 
The softer quality of soapstone is what sets it apart from other quartz-based countertops materials, but it can be considered a weakness for homeowners who are looking for the most durable material for their countertops. In general, the softer nature of soapstone makes it nice to the touch but also represents its one main weakness.
 
While soapstone is relatively easy to clean on a day-to-day basis, it does require some unique long-term care. The primary care that soapstone requires, which is really more for aesthetic than performance reasons, is a periodic oiling that keeps it looking its best and produces a natural patina as the years go by.
 
Other potential drawbacks of soapstone countertops are the limited color and variety options. Soapstone is naturally grey, with colors ranging from white to charcoal, so you won’t find some of the more colorful options offered in granite, marble, or of course, tile.
 
If you are looking for a durable yet pliable countertop option that will last you for upwards of 20 years with minimal cleaning required, soapstone will make a great choice.
 
For other countertop material options, check out our comparison guide to kitchen and bathroom countertops.

As you may have discovered, when it comes to materials for countertops, there’s no short supply of options. Two of the most popular countertop options that have arisen over the years are silestone and granite. But what are the differences between the two? And which one should you choose for your home? In this article, we will be diving into the differences between Silestone vs. granite.
 
Structural Differences
 
The first material, Silestone, a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials, is extremely hard and resilient. Silestone offers the beauty of natural stone in a wide range of colors and varying textures. Just like natural stone countertop materials, Silestone is great for both kitchens and bathrooms because it’s non-porous which makes it resistant to staining. The non-porous structure also makes this an extremely sanitary material that won’t absorb liquids or external influencers over time.
 
The other material, granite, is a hard and sturdy natural stone material that is naturally resistant to heat. When properly sealed, granite countertops are resistant to stains from acid, oil, and food. Due to their durability as a solid surface, granite countertop cleaning and maintenance can be a breeze. Granite also offers endless modern color options and unique slabs since every slab of granite is different from the next.
 
Required Maintenance
 

 
With any countertop material, one of the most important considerations for the material you choose is the amount of maintenance required. Especially for areas with high potential for dirt and grime, like kitchen and bathroom countertops, the amount of ongoing maintenance you’re going to have to put in is important.
 
Silestone may be a better choice for those looking to do little to no maintenance. Since it is made of quartz, silestone is naturally non-porous, which makes it resistant to spills and staining caused by messy kitchen and bathroom items, like food, wine, or even makeup. For more tips on cleaning and maintaining Silestone countertops, check out our blog post.
 
Granite, on the other hand, is a porous stone, which makes it more susceptible to not only stains, but also bacteria and germs. For maintenance purposes, granite needs to be sealed at least once a year to keep it protected, and it will require more general upkeep to keep countertops sanitary and safe.
 
Resilience
 
Both Silestone and granite are incredibly strong materials, but when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, Silestone is a stronger material, but not by much. Granite is slightly weaker only because since it contains crystalline material, which allows for fissures and small spaces.
 
Because of the resilience of both of these materials, they both make for excellent investments in your home’s value. Whether you plan to sell your home anytime in the near future or not, using granite or Silestone for the kitchen countertops will increase any home’s resale value significantly.
 
Aesthetic Appeal
 

 
Both granite and Silestone offer their advantages when it comes to look and feel. With Silestone and other quartz materials, “small amounts of glass or metallic flecks are added to create variety, resulting in beautiful countertops” (SilestoneUSA.com). Silestone is also a very beautiful material, and offers a wide variety of color options for your selection – every color from natural tones such as whites, blacks and browns to other varieties such as golds or blues.
 
Granite countertops are some of the most popular out there. Because it is natural stone, granite doesn’t provide as wide of a range of color options and each piece is different, therefore, often times kitchens need to be planned around the slab that is chosen. While this will make your kitchen or bathroom truly unique, if you choose granite countertops, you should plan to be extra cautious with your design since no two granite slabs are identical. And if more than a single slab is needed, make sure all slabs are from the same quarry batch so colors and textures will match.
 
Both Silestone and granite are great high-end options for building in your home, but they each have their own sets of pros and cons. Silestone offers slightly more durability and less required maintenance, but granite has universal appeal and will make your home truly unique. Either way – you can’t go wrong when comparing silestone vs granite!

The days are longer, the air is lighter, the sun is brighter – spring is finally here! Time for you shake off the cold and endulge in the invigorating freshness, and there’s no better place to start than your bathroom. Take you spring cleaning one step further and think of improvements you can make to your bathroom to create a bright and refreshing spring haven, dressed up in the latest spring cleaning bathroom design tips.

Customized lighting

Much has been said about the power of proper lighting, so just consider what a customized lighting design might bring about to your spring oasis. You can customize not only the layout but also the color of the lights for a sun-inspired bathroom design. Why put candles around when specially placed lights can mimic candle-light for the same effect, not to mention be tons safer.

Stylish eco-friendly solutions

If you want your bathroom clean, you’d better go green. This spring, go for environmentally friendly design solutions instead of traditional high-maintenance ones. Consider low-flow sink fixtures – they are both trendy and eco-friendly.

Free-standing bathtub

Whatever way you prefer to relax, there are plenty of options that are both soothing to the senses and pretty on the eye. Free-standing bathtubs are not only the perfect way to give yourself a spa treatment fit for Egyptian goddesses, but they are also a smashing hit in the cutting-edge bathroom design movement.

Stand-alone shower

There’s nothing quite like a soft drizzle on a warm day, and there’s nothing quite like a mist-spray showerhead to bring about that sensation. Stand-alone showers not only save you valuable space but can also be fully customized to include preset sprays and sprinkles, even music of your own choice.

Steam shower

Consider a walk-in steam shower with preset steam options and enjoy a cleansing sauna in the comfort of your own bathroom. When installed and used correctly, it can save a remarkable amount of water, not mention save space for dancing in the sunlight.

Refinished bathtub

Remember, relaxing getaways are no longer reserved for the well-heeled. If you want to go easy on the home budget but still have a touch of spring in your bathroom oasis, think about refinishing your existing bathtub. A fresh layer of brightly colored paint can bring about the much needed spring freshness, not to mention look trendier.

Natural flooring materials

Since it’s all about comfort, think about refinishing the floor, although here you might want to consider replacing the cold, impersonal tiles altogether. Soft materials like cork are ideal for walking barefoot, not to mention being highly sustainable and eco-friendly, and therefore, a real goodie in the designer world.

Spring San Diego Bathroom remodeling

You dig the ideas, but don’t know how to make them come to life? Contact Remodel Works, your #1 Remodeler in San Diego per Houzz and Award-Winning Design Build firm in San Diego, California. Customization is the key, so consult our designers on how to maximize the potentials of your bathroom for the ultimate pleasure bathroom design. Contact us and get a free quote today!

Both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian, an island can serve as an anchor for the kitchen and be a wonderful asset to the place at once. They focus the space to one area, allowing homeowners to cook and socialize simultaneously. They’re extra countertop space, a secondary table, a common space creator, and can help suck space out of kitchens that aren’t properly balanced (speaking towards bigger kitchens here). Anyone who has lived in a home with an island finds it immensely difficult to shift back into a home without one.
 
Today, more and more homes are adding islands during their kitchen remodel. It’s a home design that is no longer specific to upper scale, luxurious properties. If you like islands and are currently looking for some inspiration, then you’ve landed in the right place. We’re going to detail quite a few different style choices ranging from the traditional aesthetic, to postmodern improvisations that might be everything your heart desires.
 
First, let’s discuss logistics.

Island Logistics

We know, we know. This isn’t necessarily the fun part of scouring the internet for new ideas. Still, it’s important that you–if you’re considering this renovation–at least have these concepts in the back of your mind. What are the necessary requirements for an island?
 
Space
 
This should be somewhat common sense, but if you’re looking to install an island in your kitchen then you’ll need the space for it. There’s no definitive here but generally the rule of thumb is that your kitchen needs to be over 6 feet deep and 10 feet long to truly utilize an island. If it’s smaller than that, the island becomes less practical and efficient, detracting from its value.
 
Storage
 
When considering putting an island in your home, you also need to consider what sort of application it’s going to serve to your kitchen. Most would consider it a waste to slap a beautiful island in the middle of a room but not fill it up with drawers to serve as a utility for storing your cooking apparatuses, kitchen items, and even a secondary or primary trash chute. Remember that an island draws people forward as it is quite literally the center of the room, so you’ll probably be doing a fair amount of cooking on it.

 

 
Lights
 
Any place in which work is done needs a light. Is your kitchen properly structured to light an island or will that be additional work involved? Generally you want a dedicated light for your island, one beaming down from overhead. The most popular choice is recessed lighting, a simple design that doesn’t require much effort if your ceilings aren’t unnecessarily high. However, if they’re higher than usual, it can pose a problem as the ‘general’ light bulb focuses its light from the bottom out, meaning it covers a spread. Specific light bulbs meant to focus light from higher altitudes can be installed to right this issue.
 
Airflow
 
The last part to consider is how well ventilated your kitchen is. Islands that are primarily used for cooking benefit greatly from a downdraft fan. But even then, sometimes a secondary fan will need to be installed to work as an exhaust (smell that stagnates will truly ruin the experience of having an island). Our point being: you need to have airflow moving away from the island and toward an appropriate opening. It’s simply not something that can be overlooked if you plan to cook on it.
 

Island Designs

Now that you have a basic understanding of an island’s structural design, here is some kitchen island idea inspiration.
 
The Bar Top
 
Outside of being a utility for the kitchen, you can be creative about the purpose you want your island to serve. One of the most dynamic and aesthetically pleasing designs is to structure your island like a bar top, which means to install another level. In this way all your kitchen countertops (including the main countertop of island) are level, but the second step-up of the island can be used to serve drinks, eat over, and as somewhat of an impromptu high-top. Enjoy the full utility of using an island for cooking but also make it a great place to serve the friends and family. When these are done correctly, they look absolutely amazing. You can have veggies steaming over the middle level while you’re guests keep their glass of wine a few feet up on the bar top.
 
The Double Dresser
 
While this can look tacky if not properly styled, when it lands, it’s the first thing people notice. The idea is to put two identical dressers (typically wooden) back to back. All the drawers face outward. Then a slab of wood or marble is sealed to the top (most often to match the kitchen countertops). The drawers act like kitchen cabinets and they work to balance the island. As an aesthetic–in homes that fit–it can give the place an entirely vintage and rustic tone, even if the home is somewhat modern. Being that it’s isolated, even if the style isn’t completely fluid it can still pair well with the rest of the home. Ever seen a single piece of outdated or vintage furniture in a modernized home? They often work well because of their independence and the opposing style of their environment.
 
Hanging Pot Rack
 
Because we’re rolling off the vintage tones, another incredible design choice is to incorporate a drop-down light fixture, then enclose it in a rack. Meaning you would have something like two or three drop-down lights hanging over the table, a metal perimeter around them fixed with hooks, and you could then hang the pots over the island. Not only does this open up room but the pots can be part of the aesthetic. Blend some auburn pots over a rich mahogany and give your home that sophisticated twist it needed.  
 
The Makeshift Bookcase
 
While it may not be feasible for you to actually put books in your kitchen—although who knows, it could have its own stylistic charm—there are plenty of innovative homes that have used bookshelves as their kitchen island. Similar to the dressers, often you can take two and place them back to back to create more surface area. The shelves can then be filled with spices, cups, kitchen items, candles, and anything to give your home that extra charm. The bookcase look is both vintage and sophisticated and can pair well in homes with a more dynamic aesthetic.
 
The Second Table
 
We’ve already spoken about how islands are practical because they can provide a second table to eat upon or utilize, and some of them are customized specifically for this. Think of on this: you build your island at the desired size and instead of calling it a day, you push it out another couple feet but away from the island with a hollow inside. One side of your island can become a ‘table end’ where chairs or barstools are pushed comfortably into their coves. This invites guests to sit and utilize the space and makes the island even more practical.
 
A Second Kitchen
 
This is definitely a bit more costly, but some homeowners love to create another kitchen out of their island. They run piping and electric to it, install a stove, oven, dishwasher, and sink, and use the island the same way as the rest of the kitchen. This helps with cooking and cleaning as having more than one centralized place can allow you to do more and put the place together faster. Fit with a marble top and a wooden body, this ‘second kitchen’ can be a wonderful addition to your already existing one. This is practicality at its finest.  

 
Freestanding Island
 
If you’re not entirely up for committing to a built-in island, then there’s no harm in using a freestanding one. This is a fun idea because it allows you to fill in the blanks and be creative about what you use. In theory, plenty of furniture pieces can work as an island. They need to have a base, a decent surface area, and be sturdy enough to work over. When they’re done correctly there is something extremely attractive about having a lone-wolf piece of furniture serving as your island. Not only that but if you enjoy it enough, then it can pave the way for a built-in one.
 
The Island Push Out
 
We already spoke on the ‘The Second Table’ but this is a bit different, as it’s both a table and island in one. If your kitchen is big enough, then you can center an island right in the middle, then extend a lower level of it out like at table. Although connected, often the aesthetic is most pleasing when both fit the same tone but are painted differently. A family can seat the kids at the table extension to do homework while the parents prepare food over the island. Not only that, but it helps orient space. This, like some of the others we mentioned, is an invitation to regard the kitchen as another room to socialize in.
 
Hand Carved Kitchen Island
 
One of the most attractive and innovative ways to design a kitchen island is to have a woodsman carve one for your space. Even if your kitchen is sleek and sophisticated, customized woodwork (which can also be painted) can not only stand on its own but create a more inviting atmosphere. It’s also completely up to you. You won’t have to scour around trying to find certain designs or prebuilt islands to purchase. You can customize one to fit your space and pair with the aesthetic of your home.
 
The Picnic Table
 
Best serving a home with wooden floors and autumn tones, there is something quite pleasing about designing your island to look like an outdoor bench. Often it’s the countertop that sports the ‘picnic bench’ aesthetic and the base is something practical (with drawers and storage space). Some designers like to match the countertop with the wood flooring rather than other countertops, which gives the island even more isolation.
 
At The End of the Day, It’s Up To You
 
Designing and deciding on an island shouldn’t be a stressful process. It’s a standalone piece that—as you can tell—can be just about anything. Outside of the logistics, what you want your island to look like and what sort of utility you want it to serve your home is completely your choice. They aren’t a difficult piece to install (although this varies dependent on the complexity of the design) and depending on what design you choose, can be extremely economic. Perhaps you create an island out of something no one has ever used before.
 
All said and done, an island is a fantastic focal point in the kitchen. It simplifies the cooking experience and creates a social atmosphere out of a place that is not necessarily conducive to chitchat. If the island is a success, the kitchen flourishes.

Choosing the right color scheme to incorporate within a room is a simple way to transform the style of a space and drive the design to fit your aesthetic. It can be challenging to select one hue from all of the master bathroom paint colors available. While there are many colors for master bathrooms available, not all master bathroom colors will offer the same appeal and style to a space. To help narrow down the selection of colors, we have curated a list of the best master bathroom color trends to choose from.

• Charcoal Gray: Dark, moody paint colors can create a master bathroom that feels elegant, rich, and sophisticated. Charcoal gray is light enough to maintain a feeling of openness in the room but dark enough to serve as a stylistic accent. In addition, charcoal gray is easy to pair décor and supplementary finishes with to create a space that is complete, dignified, and uniquely tailored to your taste. Don’t love charcoal gray? A lighter gray can have a similar elegant feel as you see below.

• Clean White: When thinking of color palette that will enhance a master bathroom, white may not be the color that immediately comes to mind, but a crisp, clean white color can offer a blank canvas upon which to build a bold, unique style. If you want the bathroom to feel clean, bright, and open, pair it with white subway tiles, a patterned black and white tile, and a floating wood vanity. This will make the space feel tied together, complete, and refreshing.

• Taupe: Taupe is a deep, rich color that combines brown and gray to achieve a versatile hue that you can customize to meet your unique stylistic preferences. This earthy tone pairs well with natural materials, such as wood accents or a bamboo mat. It is often best to bring in some lighter colored décor pieces of finishes to balance out the deep tone of the taupe and maintain a light, open feeling within the space.
• Navy Blue: A deep, dark navy blue color will at once imbue a master bathroom with sophistication and tranquility that will create an inviting, aesthetically pleasing environment. Light tile and accents offer a crisp counterpart to the dark, deep blue hue. Because navy blue is a versatile tone, it can pair well with a number of different colors, offering a bold hue upon which to build a unique master bathroom design.
• Midnight Black: Having a black master bathroom is certainly not the most traditional choice, but for some this can create a more modern bathroom that is both elegant and classic. To offset the inherent darkness of the black tone, it is important to incorporate pops of color through décor, plants, or different means. In addition, it can sometimes enhance the style of the space to pair this bold color choice with all white tile, glass shower doors, and a wood vanity. This will keep the space natural, light, and balance the tone of the black.
• Seafoam Green: A light seafoam green can create a master bathroom that feels tranquil and traditional. Seafoam green is a light enough that it adds a delicate touch of color without overpowering the space. This color pairs well with both white and natural wood, whether it is light or dark wood. Seafoam green can also be incorporated in décor throughout the master bathroom as an accent color to make the space feel cohesive and complete. It is the perfect master bathroom color for both contemporary and traditional styles to add a coastal, natural feel.

• Ice Blue: For many, a master bathroom would ideally feel like a retreat and a spa. Incorporating an ice blue paint color will make the space feel tranquil, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Ice blue pairs well with a number of neutrals, including black, white, gray, brown, and tan, making it an easy foundation upon which to build a broader stylistic vision.
• Soft Beige: For those who prefer to get their statements pieces through tile, a vanity, or other décor, a soft beige can be a wonderful neutral color to select. Soft beige fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere without overpowering the space. It is warmer than a typical white, but not so bright and loud that it overshadows other design elements within the space. Pair with a bold bathroom tile on the wall and floor or incorporate a unique vanity to create a space that is original and familiar.

With so many colors to choose from there is a shade that will match your personality and style aesthetic. Choosing which color to go with is one of the most fun tasks during a bathroom remodel, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Use the color ideas we’ve come up with as inspiration for your brand new bathroom, or check out our bathroom remodeling idea and renovation gallery!

Quartz has proven itself to be one of the most popular materials for countertops, and it’s no wonder why! It’s naturally one of the hardest and most durable surfaces on earth, but that doesn’t mean your quartz countertops won’t require their fair share of maintenance and care. Here are our best tips on how to maintain quartz countertops.
 
What is Quartz?
 
Quartz countertops are derived from the mineral quartz, which is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen (making it silicon dioxide or SiO2). It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth (along with feldspar), and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.
 
Quartz is present and plentiful in all parts of the world. It forms at all temperatures and is abundant in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering. This durability makes it the dominant mineral of mountaintops and the primary constituent of beach, river, and desert sand. Quartz is ubiquitous, plentiful and durable.
 
Quartz occurs naturally in virtually every color. Common colors are clear, white, gray, purple, yellow, brown, black, pink, green, red. Its luster and color make it useful as a gemstone and also in the making of glass.
 
Quartz in the Home
 
Engineered quartz has become one of the frontrunners in homes for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The type of quartz that is used for these countertops varies: some quartz countertop material is made of naturally quarried slabs of quartz, while a lot of newly engineered quartz countertop material is engineered with approximately 95% ground quartz and 5% resins.
 
One of the main reasons that quartz has become so popular as a household material is its natural hardness and durability. Many people end up choosing engineered quartz for the variety of aesthetic options – it’s available in such a wide variety of colors and textures.
 
Quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials and often chosen over other materials, like granite, because it is equally as strong but has the added benefit of being more flexible. This makes quartz easy to work with, and can allow for a simpler installation process. And because quartz is more flexible to work with and is held in place using glue and epoxy instead of screws, quartz can be used for backsplashes and even shower enclosures, without the fissures and seams that are visible with natural stone. Still, quartz countertops should always be professionally installed, mostly because of their weight and size.
 
In addition to being popular, quartz is also one of the heaviest countertop materials. Compared again to granite – their exact density varies from sample to sample, but overall quartz averages about 2.65 g/cc and granite comes in a little heavier at 2.7 to 2.8 g/cc. Countertops of comparable size of granite and quartz will weigh about the same, give or take a few pounds. Because engineered quartz is significantly heavier than other stone surfaces, there are some special installation considerations – structural issues should be assessed before installing quartz countertop, especially on upper floors.
 
Many homeowners and home designers love quartz because of its unique and custom appearance. These stones are coming right out of the earth and are not perfectly designed by nature. For some, this will be a benefit while others will consider it to be a drawback.
 
The natural derivation of quartz also says something about its environmental impact. As far as countertop options go, quartz materials generally leave less of a carbon footprint. Many of these products contain content that has been recycled, and the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly.
 
Before choosing to go with quartz countertops, be sure to research price options. This can be the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing between a quartz countertop and one that’s made of another material, like granite or laminate. The cost of engineered quartz countertops appears to be dropping as they grow in popularity and as more manufacturers make them available, but in general, they are more expensive than laminate and comparable in price to granite, ranging from $100 to $200 per square foot (HGTV).
 
To learn more about Quartz compared to other countertop materials, check out our Countertop Material Comparison Guide.
 
 
How to Maintain Quartz Countertops
 
A natural benefit of quartz countertops is the minimal cleaning required to keep them sanitary and functioning at their highest potential. Due to the non-porous nature of the material, stains and spills are not easily absorbed into the surface and quartz is incredibly resistant to staining and corrosion from oils, liquids and most household cleaning products, which makes clean up and fairly easy job.
 
Although quartz countertops will resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids like wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wipe up spills immediately—before they have a chance to dry. Fresh spills can be wiped up with a simple household cleaner or dishwasher detergent and a soft cloth (although some people find that window cleaner works best).
 
Simply apply the cleaning product or detergent to any stains, leave the cleaner on the surface for about two minutes, and remove with a non-scratch pad. After wiping off the household cleaner, use a damp cloth to remove any residue, then dry the surface.
 
For tougher stains like food, nail polish, or paint, it is recommended to keep a plastic putty knife handy to gently scrape off messes that harden as they dry. But be sure not to use a sharp knife near your quartz countertops – quartz is a hard surface, but not hard enough to withstand the effects of sharp objects like knives.
 
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to clean quartz countertops:

1. Wipe down your quartz countertops with a soft rag and mild detergent. Clean the counter with soap and warm water daily, if possible.
2. For any dried food or other stains, use a blunt scraper such as a plastic putty knife to scrape off and then remove.
3. For grease stains, wipe away grease with a degreasing cleaner. Spray the counter with a degreasing and disinfectant cleanser that doesn’t contain bleach. Alternately, use disinfectant bleach-free wipes. Rinse immediately afterward with a sponge or wet cloth. For grease stains, look for cleaning products that are specifically formulated for quartz countertops.
4. For extra tough stains or anything sticky, you can also use a cleaning solution like Goo Gone. Wet a cloth with a citrus cleaner like Goo Gone. Try pouring a bit of cleaner onto the stain and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before wiping it up, if the stain is particularly tough. Follow up by cleaning the counter well with warm water.
5. Be sure to dry countertops off with a towel after you finish cleaning.

Although quartz is resistant to most stains, it is not resistant to harsh chemicals.
 
Do not expose your quartz surfaces to abrasive, strong alkaline, acid, free radicals, oxidizers or the like (whether high, neutral or low pH) cleaners. Furthermore, other popular cleaning products like bleach, oven cleaners, Comet®, and paint thinners will do more harm than good for your quartz countertops. Never use abrasive or harsh scrub pads; instead use soft pads and cloths.
 
And finally, do not apply any sealants or topical treatments to quartz surfaces, since these types of products will wear off and cause the gloss to appear dull and loose its natural sheen.
 
Keep Heat Away from Quartz
 
It’s important to note that quartz countertops are not heat-proof. Unlike some other natural stones, quartz can be damaged by heat, so homeowners should be prepared to protect their quartz countertops with the use of trivets and hot pads to prevent heating the top.
 
Refrain from placing hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface of quartz countertops, and be aware of the potential damage to the surface by heat-generating appliances such as electric grills or crockpots. In addition, as with any natural stone, prolonged exposure to heat may cause cracks in quartz countertops.
 
Another potential drawback, or quality to be aware of with quartz countertops is that they can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you may see a color difference. Otherwise, quartz countertops will weather and age fairly well.
 
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable. With just a small amount of care, your quartz surfaces will look as great as the day you installed them for years to come.