Bamboo is one of the leading options for hard surface flooring. Sustainability is one of the main reasons for this since mature, eco-friendly bamboo can be regenerated in just seven years - as opposed with the 40 to 100 years it takes a more traditional hardwood (like maple, oak or ash) to reach a mature, buildable age.
Kitchen sinks often provide a visual contrast - made from porcelain or stainless steel - with the countertop. However, granite and stone sinks, or Corian sinks, are designed to do the opposite, blending in with the countertop for a more streamlined look. While it's typically an afterthought, or one of the lesser-exciting aspects of Chicago kitchen remodeling, we bet your kitchen sink is one of your most used home fixtures. Period.
Ten years ago the overwhelming majority of countertops installed in Chicago kitchen and bath remodeling projects were granite. In the past couple of years, this trend has made a significant shift and now granite is being phased out to make way for the new kid in town - Quartz.
Think about framed works of art. The art itself is the most important design component, but the matting and frame used to showcase it has a tremendous affect on how the piece resonates with viewers. Some texture accent here, pulling out the right colors there - seemingly small changes can alter what gets the "focus" of your gaze.
Would you rather live on an island, or a peninsula? Living on an island means you have complete autonomy and a space to call your own without any real attachment to the main land - unless you want it. Peninsulas provide the feeling of an island - their own, isolated space - while still remaining firmly anchored to civilization and all of her resources.
Before you bemoan your lack of kitchen square footage, know that even the smallest of kitchens can seem spacious if they're designed well. You'll be amazed at how much conceptual space - and bona-fide storage space - is gained with a few simple design tricks.
Appliance selection is an important step in any Chicago kitchen remodel. These days, energy efficiency is a top priority, as is appliance features, style and placement. These same factors hold true for your kitchen's microwave.
There are rare cases where money is no object, but most of the time clients are working within some sort of budget. Designing a Chicago kitchen remodel on a budget is sort of like a game - adding this and subtracting that - to keep within the boundaries.
What's on your "Chicago Kitchen Design Wish List? Are you knocking out a wall to add space? Are you getting ready to enjoy a more luxurious dine-in eating area? What are your plans for kitchen lighting?
If you live in an older home, odds are your kitchen is a galley-style kitchen or has some type of wall that divides it from the main living area(s). A dividing wall can make a big difference in how your kitchen functions and feels.
