Bold Cabinet Colours

Cabinet colours are making a comeback with rich, velvety depths of navy to warm, earthy shades of green. Not only do these colours bring a timeless, smart look to any kitchen, but they also create a high-end feel that pairs perfectly with classic woods and modern metals. 

However, if you’re looking to keep a light-coloured kitchen while moving away from the overdone white, beige is a perfect alternative. Beige provides a soft and inviting feel in the kitchen, unlike stark white, which can feel cold or clinical. Beige can also complement a wide range of vibrant colours, create exciting contrasts, or work well with subtle tones for a more muted, harmonious look.

Marble Veined Backsplash and Islands

Marble veined backsplash slabs and islands add a touch of elegance to any kitchen, but they also create a gorgeous minimalist look that is perfect for those who love a minimal luxe aesthetic.    

One of the biggest benefits of using marble is its durability — because who wants to invest in a surface that won’t last? It’s also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, which is a huge plus for those of us who lead busy lives. Plus, the veined pattern in each slab or island is unique, adding a personalized touch to your home. 

The Multipurpose Island

The multipurpose island is a trend that has been gaining popularity among homeowners in recent years. It’s more than just a place to chop vegetables or prep meals — it can also serve as a breakfast bar, a place to host a dinner party, or even as a home office. Not only does it add valuable function to the kitchen, but it also enhances the overall look and feel of the space. 

Floating Shelves 

Floating shelves have the ability to add a touch of style to any kitchen while providing practical storage solutions. The versatility of floating shelves allows for a variety of options in terms of design, material and placement. Whether you prefer sleek, minimalist shelves or rustic, wooden ones, there is a floating shelf that can fit your style. 

Metallic Features

Metallic features such as polished brass and nickel accents can instantly modernize any kitchen and give it a sophisticated edge. Add a touch of glamour with a nickel faucet or elevate your cabinets with dazzling brass hardware. These metallic additions can complement any colour scheme and be mixed with various textures for a chic, eye-catching modern look. 

Slatted and Ribbed Wood

Slatted and ribbed wood can be incorporated into various areas, from walls and ceilings to furniture and cabinetry. With its ability to create both a modern and rustic look, slatted and ribbed wood has quickly become a favourite among interior designers and homeowners alike. The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility; it can be customized to fit any design style, whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist approach. 

Subtle Backlights

Subtle backlights are the perfect example of how even the smallest details can make a big impact. Cabinetry lighting is an excellent way to achieve this effect, as it brings attention to the intricate details and craftsmanship of your cabinetry while adding warmth and depth to your room. Whether you prefer warm, golden hues or cooler, blue tones, subtle backlights are a versatile and sophisticated way to update your design and bring a touch of luxury to your home.

Panel Ready Appliances

Panel ready appliances enhance the high-end look of a home with a seamless row of cabinet doors. To achieve this aesthetic, it’s crucial to invest in a panel ready appliance and collaborate with your cabinet company for a custom door that perfectly fits the fridge. Avoid purchasing a regular fridge and attempting to add a panel door, as it won’t yield the desired result.

Stainless Steel Aesthetic

Stainless steel is moving beyond mere appliances and minor accessories typically observed in conventional kitchens. It is capturing attention owing to its robustness, sanitary qualities, and simple upkeep, besides its inherent aesthetic appeal.

Just like a marble kitchen, stainless steel matures gracefully, attaining an elegant patina over time.  As both a minimalist and modern industrial trend, stainless steel continues to carve its niche in contemporary kitchen styles.

Black Kitchens

Black kitchens are often paired with metallic accents or contrasting light-coloured backsplashes to create a dramatic and modern aesthetic. However, opting for a black kitchen requires thoughtful planning to maintain a balance between boldness and warmth. For instance, a black-on-black design could be overpoweringly dark, so incorporating elements such as light-coloured countertops, metallic hardware, or a chic marble island could provide much-needed contrast and balance. Additionally, lighting, both natural and artificial, plays a significant role in accentuating the depth and the texture of the black hues.

Wood Flooring in Kitchens

Wood flooring effortlessly combines beauty and durability, and a well-maintained wooden floor can withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen while still retaining its charm. It can also seamlessly connect the kitchen with other areas of the house, creating a cohesive interior design.

However, selecting the right type of wood is crucial, as different woods have different properties. Hardwoods, such as oak or ash, are more resistant to damage and are ideal for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. The colour of the wood can also significantly impact the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Lighter woods can brighten up the space, while darker tones can add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Keeping up with the latest kitchen trends can be daunting, and it’s important to resist the urge to add every new element just because it’s “in.” Instead, focus on what truly speaks to your personal style and how you use your kitchen. Whether it’s a bold backsplash or sleek new appliances, a few strategic updates can give your space a fresh feel without requiring a complete overhaul. So take some time to reflect on what you love about your kitchen, and work from there to create a space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Natural Stone Flooring

There is a weight, a texture, and an ageless appeal to natural stone flooring that artificial materials simply cannot replicate. Marble, granite, travertine, and quartzite offer a gamut of options, catering to the varied tastes of luxury homeowners.

Marble is the epitome of luxury; its creamy white tones and distinctive veining have graced the floors of palaces for centuries. Despite being relatively soft compared to other stones, it brings a regal touch that is hard to match.

Granite is renowned for its resilience, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Its natural beauty is diverse, with a wide range of colors and patterns available to suit any design.

Rustic and textured, travertine exudes an earthy charm that complements both classic and contemporary interior designs.

For those who prefer a more understated luxe look, quartzite is an excellent choice. Resilient and with a palette of soft hues, it lends an air of sophistication to any room.

And let’s not forget about sandstone, a durable and slip-resistant option that shines in outdoor spaces – an ideal choice for creating seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences.

Exotic Hardwood Flooring

If you’re looking for a flooring option that tells a story, one crafted from exotic hardwoods is sure to captivate. The deep, rich hues and intricate grain patterns of species like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and mahogany add warmth and character that can’t be replicated.

These woods are not only treasured for their beauty but also for their rarity, with some species becoming limited due to conservation efforts.

Designer Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles combine the beauty of nature with the artistry of human craft. These tiles are versatile, lending themselves to a variety of applications and style preferences.

Customizable and available in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and designs, they can transform any room into a work of art. From the geometrical mosaics of Italian designers to the intricate patterns of handmade and reclaimed tiles, designer ceramic tiles elevate the home into a gallery of luxury.

Hand-Scraped Wood Floors

Hand-scraped flooring offers a unique, time-worn texture that adds a layer of interest to any space. These floors are synonymous with craftsmanship, each plank distinct and bearing the marks of the human hand.

Their uneven surface and beveled edges give a room an aged, inviting appearance. Although they may appear ‘lived-in,’ they are highly resilient, making them a top choice for homes that receive heavy foot traffic.

Reclaimed Hardwood

If you’re a homeowner with an eye for history and a heart for sustainability, reclaimed hardwood is the epitome of a luxury flooring choice. This flooring tells a story – of the buildings, the people, the culture, and the age in which the wood was first harvested.

By using repurposed materials, you’re not only adding value and character to your home but contributing to the conservation of forests and preservation of our planet’s resources.

Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete floors exude refined elegance, making them a distinctive option in the flooring realm. This exceptionally durable material not only exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic but also offers a unique fusion of style and functionality. 

The smooth finish and industrial allure of polished concrete contribute to establishing a sophisticated ambiance, making it ideal for contemporary spaces that aspire to a minimalist yet upscale appeal.

In the realm of luxury home design, your choice of flooring sets the foundation for the entire aesthetic and atmosphere of your living space. From the timeless elegance of natural stone and the warmth of exotic hardwoods, the possibilities are as limitless as they are luxurious. Each material we’ve explored offers its own unique benefits and conveys a different sense of sophistication.

When it comes to construction, trust Bennefield Construction to deliver exceptional quality and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Contact us today to discuss your project and let us redefine your space with our expertise and dedication.

1. Know Your Budget in Advance

Have an idea in mind of how much you want to spend before you start doing your planning and looking for items to buy. If you start deciding what you want and choosing pieces before you know the costs — or how much you’re willing to spend — things can quickly start adding up. This will just lead to frustration.

And don’t forget it’s always important to plan for an additional 20% over budget just in case you run into unforeseen issues in your home during the construction, such as mould growth or plumbing issues.

2. Talk to Everyone Using the Space

If this is your personal bathroom, the decisions are entirely up to you. However, if you share a bathroom with your husband or all of your family, it’s important to get input for your remodel. If you have taller or shorter people using the bathroom, consider raising or lowering the sink, toilet, and maybe even the tub, so everyone feels comfortable using it. And although you may want a luxurious bathtub, if all your other family members prefer showers, you’ll need to try to plan for both.

3. Think About Your Space

The whole purpose of a remodel is to completely transform your space, and yes, that could include busting through the wall to include a closet or even a room currently next door. But you still need to be realistic. If you don’t have a huge bathroom, it’s likely you won’t be able to have a large soaker tub, separate shower, and double sink.

4. Decide If You Want to Keep Anything

Maybe you love your pedestal sink or the tub you have now. Plan to work around it so you can keep it there! Just because you’re going for a remodel doesn’t mean you have to lose what you love. Maybe it can be moved to a different spot in the bathroom, or you can work around where it is now.

5. Start Looking at Materials

Take a look online, in brochures, or at stores to get an idea of the looks you like and would like to see in your space. Having a basic idea of colours, materials, and what types of fixtures you want is a great place to start when planning a design.

6. Hire a Professional

Let’s face it, it’s hard to do all the work yourself. And even just the design of the entire bathroom remodel can be a tough thing to take on yourself. Hiring a professional takes a lot of pressure off, so you can actually enjoy the process of getting your dream bathroom. Not to mention that hiring a professional to help you design your home construction or remodel project means you’ll get expert advice for utilizing your space, and likely hear ideas you had never even thought of!

When you hire Bennefield Construction to do your bathroom remodel, you not only get knowledgeable, professional home builders to do the work, but you also get access to our interior designer who will give you an assortment of ideas that will work with your space — and your budget. Contact us today with any questions or to get started on your bathroom remodel or other home construction.

PROS

Makes your space look larger. If you don’t have much space to work with, dividing this area into separate rooms will only make the place look smaller. Making a living room/dining room/kitchen combo room will open things up and make it look like you’ve got more square footage.

Entertaining is easier. If you’re having a dinner party, it’s a lot easier to entertain your guests if you’re not in a separate kitchen while they’re in another room. And often, they’ll wander into the kitchen to visit you, making your kitchen feel cramped and crowded while you’re trying to cook.

You’ll also be able to entertain young children and keep an eye on what older children are watching on TV or doing in the living room with an open concept space. This will make it much easier to continue to spend time with your family while making meals.

You can utilize all your space. If you create separate rooms, chances are you’ll have a dining room or a living room that doesn’t get used to its full potential. Saving it only for when guests come over or to use as a dumping ground for things that have no home. With an open concept home construction, you’ll be more motivated to use the space you can see.

You’ll have better airflow. When you open a window into an area with open space, the whole area will immediately feel refreshed as the air can flow through nicely. And the same can be said about heat from a fireplace or single heat source flowing through.

CONS

Your messy rooms will be on display. If you haven’t done your dishes or have been working from your dining room table, people will see this mess as soon as they walk into the space. When you have separate rooms, you can conceal your messy rooms a bit better.

Lack of privacy. Suppose you’re working from home and set up in the living room, or your kids are trying to do their homework on the dining room table. In that case, it can be distracting if someone else in the area is trying to watch TV or clean up the kitchen. Continually being surrounded by others is something you’ll need to get used to in open concept living.

Your living areas will smell like what you’re cooking. If you’re cooking in the kitchen, your family in the living room will be able to see and smell what you’re cooking. And if there’s any smokiness, that will flow into the living room as well. This means your furniture may suck up food smells more than usual, which may mean you’ll likely need to get it cleaned more often.

The right home construction plan for you and your family is the one that will work best for you and your family. Once you consider the pros and cons, you’ll know if an open floor plan is the best one for you. At Bennefield Construction, our on-staff interior designer and experienced home builders will help you design and construct a happy, comfortable home for you and your family.

Think About What You Would Change

A great place to start planning your kitchen remodel is to think about what you don’t like about the kitchen you currently have. Are you always looking for more counter space? Do you wish the refrigerator was closer to the oven? Could you use more burners on your stove? Make sure all these things get planned into your kitchen remodel.

You’ll also want to ask your family for their input on their ideas for the kitchen design — particularly if they use the kitchen a lot.

Get Your Budget Ready in Advance

Figure out how much you can realistically spend on your kitchen remodel before you start looking around at things to buy. If you begin to spend freely, these things will quickly add up. And it’s a good idea to give yourself a 20% buffer on any remodelling or renovation project to cover any issues which come up unexpectedly.

Keep What You Can

If any or all of your appliances are still in good working order, keeping them will save you a fair bit of money. The same goes for if you like your cabinets or flooring. You can always move them within the space or plan around them.

Research What You Like

Visit some home stores, look online, set up a Pinterest board, or flip through some décor magazines to start getting some ideas about the look you’d like to see. Also, think about which colours and designs you’d like to see in your kitchen remodel. But don’t forget to take into consideration the colours and design of adjacent rooms to your kitchen to keep with the overall flow of your home.

Think About Where to Put Your Microwave

Some people keep their microwaves on the counter or on a cart in the corner of the kitchen. If this works well for you, there’s no need to change it, but to get some space back, consider mounting it within your cabinets or above your stove.

However, if you’re going to put your microwave up higher, make sure that everyone who uses it can access it. If you have younger or shorter family members, above the stove may not be a good idea. Also, placing it above the stove may work well for you if you’re the only one cooking, but if other family members often heat up food in the mornings while you’re standing at the stove, this could cause a jam up in the kitchen. Consider all uses before you design.

Consult With a Professional

While these tips will help you come up with a basic design for your kitchen, there’s, unfortunately, a lot more to think about. Living through having your kitchen ripped up for a few weeks will be tough enough, so why stress yourself out over having to plan the design, too?!

Luckily, if you choose to work with Bennefield Construction for your kitchen remodel, you get access to our professional interior designer. They’ll be able to come up with some ideas for your kitchen design based on your needs and wants. Our knowledgeable, skilled tradespeople will complete your remodel quickly, safely, and efficiently to leave you with your dream kitchen. Contact us today with any questions or to get started on your kitchen remodel.