Category: Kitchen

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen

Looking to update your kitchen? One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to spruce up your space is to paint your cabinets. 

There are so many colors to choose from depending on your style, and each one has something unique to offer. I’ve compiled some of my favorite colors, sure to make your cabinets pop!

White

If you’re going for a clean, classic look, consider bright white cabinets. White kitchens are timeless and allow for pops of color elsewhere in the room. They pair well with tile or wood and keep a kitchen looking bright and airy.

Gray

Gray is a favorite cabinet color due to its versatility. Grays come in both warm and cool tones, so no matter what other colors you have in your home, you can find a gray to match. This gray pairs well with marbled countertops and natural elements

Mint Green


If you want a less intense pop of color, consider a cool mint green. These kitchen cabinets create a calming, inviting atmosphere and contrast well with the dark gray backsplash. Combined with white panelling, this kitchen has a modern farmhouse feel. 

Off White

For those that appreciate the versatility of white but want a warmer room, consider off white or cream. This color pairs well with other warm neutrals like beige and tan. The brass accents in this kitchen add a bit of color while preserving the warmth of the cabinet color.

Blue

Blue cabinets give this kitchen a dash of coastal flair. This color is a great choice for those looking for darker cabinets to contrast against a lighter countertop. You can also opt for color on the island, with white or neutral cabinets in the rest of the kitchen. 

One of the best things about painting your kitchen cabinets is that it’s easy to do it yourself in just a weekend! Which of these cabinet colors will you be trying in your home? Let me know in the comments!

cooktop pros and cons

Let’s Get Cooking! Pros and Cons of 3 Cooktops

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen, Uncategorized


With Thanksgiving this week, we are fully in the holiday season!

This year, some are spending time with their closest loved ones, others are getting takeout, and others are cooking their very first holiday meal at home. 

Whatever your style, good food and time with family is hard to beat. For those who are thinking about upping their cooking situation, take a look at the pros and cons of three different types of cooktops below!

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to produce heat and cook food. When magnetically reactive cookware (cookware made with iron) is used, a magnetic field induces electrical currents inside the pan, turning the cookware into the heater.

Pros of Induction Cooktops

  • Precise heat. Magnet technology heats the cookware rather than the air surrounding it. This means that 90% of the heat produced goes into the cookware, compared to 40-55% with gas and 65-75% with electric. With more of the heat going directly to the food, this speeds up cooking time and keeps the kitchen cooler.
  • Safety. If there is not a pan containing iron on the cooking zone, no heat will be produced, making it safe to touch. Flames and fumes are both nonexistent with induction cooktops. 
  • Easy to clean. The cooktop is a flat surface that is cool to the touch when cookware is removed. Cleanup is fast and easy without having to wait very long for the cooktop to cool down. 

Cons of Induction Cooktops

  • Cost. Induction cooktops are generally the most expensive of the three, making this choice the most costly to install. 
  • Limited choice in cookware. With heat produced by magnetic induction, certain cookware must be used to function properly. Cooking vessels must be made of or contain iron. 

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops use natural gas or propane gas. Each burner works by creating an open flame to cook with. As you turn the cooktop knob, you increase or decrease the size of the flame.

Pros of Gas Cooktops

  • Precise control. With the flame from the burner creating instant heat and temperature change, gas cooktops are both precise and efficient. In addition, the size of the flame produces a visual cue for the temperature setting. 
  • Versatile. A controllable open flame and the ability to use any type of cookware means chefs can use a variety of cooking techniques, including browning tortillas and using a traditional wok. 
  • No electricity needed. In the event of an electrical outage, gas cooktops still work.

Cons of Gas Cooktops

  • Hard to clean. Grooves and crevices around burners and burner grates make gas cooktops more difficult to clean than cooktops with a flat surface. 
  • Inefficient heat transference. With only 40-55% of heat from the flames going to the food being cooked, gas cooktops increase the temperature in the kitchen. 


Electric Cooktops

Electric burners consist of coils of electrical wires enclosed in metal. Electricity runs through the wires to heat up the metal coils. Increase the temperature by increasing the amount of electricity running through the wires.

Pros of Electric Cooktops

  • Flat burners. Flat burners allow the heat produced to come in direct contact with the bottom of the cookware. With up to 75% of the heat going directly to the pan, the kitchen remains cooler.
  • Easy to clean. Smooth electric cooktops are especially easy to clean once they have cooled down. 
  • Cost. Electric cooktops are usually the least expensive option.

Cons of Electric Cooktops

  • Poor temperature control. Temperature changes happen more slowly than with gas or induction cooktops. This makes switching from boiling to a simmer more difficult. 
  • Retains heat after cooking. The electric coils retain heat even after burners have been shut off. Cooktops remain hot to the touch and require a cool down period after cooking.


What’s your cooktop of choice? Let me know in the comments!








kitchen countertop pros and cons

Pros & Cons of 7 Popular Kitchen Countertops

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen

Every element in the kitchen must serve at least two purposes: function and design. 

To be fully functional, countertops must meet many requirements. As a food preparation site, countertops need to be easy to clean and maintain. The surface must be stain proof, scratch proof, and heatproof. In addition, we expect countertops to be beautiful, as they are one of the biggest focal points in the kitchen. 

Keep reading for the pros and cons of seven countertop surfaces!

Granite

Granite is a natural stone cut straight from the quarry. Because of this, every granite slab is slightly different, each with its own unique pattern and color. You can find granite slabs with subtle colors and others with bold patterns, which allows you to find the perfect match for your kitchen design.

While granite is very durable, it is a porous stone. This means that it can stain if something sets in the countertop. Granite must be sealed on an ongoing basis, typically around one time per year, to keep up its appearance. 

Butcher Block

Wood countertops are available in a variety of finishes, offering a warm look in the kitchen. This timeless surface consists of individual wooden strips fused together to create countertop slabs. 

Butcher block surfaces are not as durable as other options, as they can be scratched and cut by knives, or damaged by water over time. While the wood can be sanded and resealed as needed, if not maintained, it is subject to cracking. 

Quartz

Quartz is a manufactured material, made from 95% natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Because the quartz is ground and combined with resins, quartz countertops can be customized while maintaining the appearance of stone. This can make your countertop search more manageable if you already have a particular vision in mind for your kitchen. 

Quartz is extremely durable, as it is even harder than granite, and does not require sealing. The resins in quartz make this material non-porous, so it is resistant to staining and less likely to soak in any bacteria. 

Even with 95% of quartz being made up of natural elements, quarrying is not required because it is made with left-over stone byproducts. If staying environmentally friendly is important in your decision-making process, choose quartz that is manufactured with stone in your region. 

Marble

Another natural stone, marble often comes in variations of white and black, but also comes in shades of green, yellow, and rose. The elegance of the stone is a timeless design choice. 

Marble is durable and resistant to heat, but is even more porous than granite, which can easily lead to stains if not cared for properly. Because of this, marble is more of a popular choice in bathrooms than kitchens. Like any all-natural stone, it must be sealed periodically. 

Concrete

Concrete offers a truly unique countertop surface. The highly polished concrete slabs can be color-tinted and even textured in order to create a customized look. Concrete countertops are heat and scratch-resistant, making them easy to maintain. 

Due to their heavy weight, installation is a detailed process that must be completed by professionals. In addition, the surface must be regularly sealed and there is the possibility of cracks forming over time. 

Ceramic Tile

A ceramic tile is an affordable option for kitchen countertops, with countless design and color options. Tile is immune to heat, and the surface is easy to clean. 

Under intense impact, tiles may become brittle and crack. While the tile is easy to clean, grout lines can stain if not taken care of immediately after a spill. 

Quartzite

Though the name sounds similar to quartz, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried from beneath the earth’s surface. It begins as sandstone and transforms into quartzite through a natural process of heat and pressure. Quartzite often resembles marble or granite in shades of white or gray. Quartzite is comparable to granite in terms of durability. Sealing the surface helps to protect against stains.

Which countertop surface do you prefer? Head to The Social Redesign Facebook or Instagram page and cast your vote!

kitchen cabinets

5 Steps to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen

A kitchen isn’t complete without cabinets. 

Essential for storage and a huge factor in kitchen style, cabinets are one of the first things people want to change in their own kitchens. But walking into a store can feel overwhelming. The choices are endless, and even after you think you’ve chosen a model, you have multiple options for color, hardware, and layout.

Keep reading to learn more about my process for choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets for your kitchen.

1. Choose a Cabinet Door Style 

Cabinets take up a lot of space in the kitchen, which means they are visible from every angle. Step one is to select a cabinet door style. 

When you are selecting a door profile, don’t get stuck on the color just yet, as the store models don’t come in every color available. We always recommend going to the store to see cabinet styles in person, and narrow down your selection to three or four options. Take pictures of the styles you like, so that you don’t forget and have to start over on your next visit!

2. Color and Finish

Once you have selected a cabinet door style, select the color and finish of your cabinets. All white in the kitchen has been popular for the past few years, with a timeless, clean look that can be played off of with pops of color throughout the rest of the kitchen. A natural wood finish is also always in style. 

Color is making a comeback in kitchens. Full color on cabinets and countertops create sa bold statement, while two-tone (white counters with colored cabinets, or vice versa) gives you a balance. 

3. Storage and Organization

Deciding on a kitchen layout and mapping out the cabinets you need for optimal storage is next up in our process to the perfect kitchen cabinets. With incredible storage options, you can get everything from spice racks, pull out drawers, deep drawers, and high cabinets. Being selective and purposeful in laying out the cabinets will help you plan a kitchen that will be easy to maneuver. 

4. Hardware

Next up is selecting hardware. The hardware you choose can make a kitchen appear modern, traditional, country, or rustic. Decide if you want knobs or pulls, and then narrow it down to the style that fits your vision. 

If new cabinets aren’t in your budget, consider swapping out the hardware. This alone can completely change the look of your kitchen. 

5. Practicality

Another factor to consider is practical, especially when it comes to cleaning. This can be a big factor in choosing the color, finish, and even the door profile. Think about your everyday lifestyle to help you stay practical in your choices. 

This week, you can vote on cabinet color for the new unit at Residences at 66 High Street! Go to Facebook or Instagram to cast your vote today!

kitchen features

Nicole’s Favorite Kitchen Features

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen

Who doesn’t love a stunning kitchen? From morning coffee to after-dinner cleanup, we often catch up on the day’s happenings while in the kitchen. Not to mention it’s where we cook, clean, and enjoy meals.

There’s so much that goes into designing a kitchen because beyond aesthetics, it needs to be fully functional. Keep reading for some of my favorite features in the kitchen!

Open Flow

open floor plan

Open floor plans continue to be the most sought-after setup for the main living areas. Being able to see and hear what is going on in the living and dining rooms from the kitchen makes the space feel intimate, without being crammed into one room.  An open floor plan is ideal for gatherings with family and friends. 

An open workflow in the kitchen is also crucial to the functionality of the space. When designing a kitchen, consider the kitchen triangle, or the uninterrupted flow between the sink, refrigerator, and stove. Keeping these paths clear makes for a kitchen you enjoy cooking in!

Multifunctional Island

kitchen island

Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, and they appear in just about every kitchen where space allows. Depending on the layout of the kitchen, the island can be utilized for prepping food, cooking, or cleaning. 

Seating options at the island make it fully multifunctional. Stools, high-back chairs, or a bench attached to the back of the island allow for places to sit or stand, creating a perfect gathering spot. Use these seats to enjoy a quick meal or catch up with loved ones over a beverage.

Pantry

pantry

A walk-in pantry in the kitchen is equivalent to a walk-in closet in the bedroom. It just makes everything better! 

We all know how many items you need to store in the kitchen. Food and small appliances, along with dinnerware and cutlery, take up a lot of space. A walk-in kitchen with shelves, drawers, and counter space keeps your must-haves organized and eliminates clutter from the kitchen. 

This week, you get to help with the pantry design at the Residences at 66 High Street. Head to Facebook or Instagram to vote on the pantry door!

Wet Bar with Wine Fridge

wet bar with wine fridge

Need I say more?

Even if you don’t use it every day, a wet bar with wine fridge is another way to keep the rest of the kitchen clear of clutter. It makes enjoying a cocktail extra convenient, whether you are hosting a gathering or saying cheers on a weekday. 

Tile, Lighting, and Hardware

tile, lighting, and hardware in the kitchen

You don’t think I’d leave tile off the list, do you? 

While these are seemingly small items, remember it’s the details that truly transform a space. A tile backsplash can add a new dimension to the kitchen, whether you opt for a pop of color or stick to a single color scheme. Fill the kitchen with different types of lighting, including natural light from windows, ambient light overhead, task lighting for cooking, and accent lighting to draw attention to a focal point. Finally, switch up the hardware on cabinets, faucets, and fixtures to achieve the look you love!

I’d love to know – what are YOUR favorite features in the kitchen?