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9 Considerations for Balancing Form and Function in Your Kitchen Remodel

by Home Remodeling TipsKitchen remodelingKitchens

When embarking on a kitchen remodel, there are two main goals to keep in mind: creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Balancing form and function in a kitchen remodel is essential to ensure that your kitchen is not only beautiful but also practical and efficient. In this blog post, we explore some tips and considerations for achieving a harmonious balance between form and function in your kitchen remodel.

  1. Start with the layout: The layout of your kitchen is one of the most critical factors in ensuring both form and function. Before making any design decisions, consider the flow of your kitchen and how you use the space. A well-designed layout can maximize efficiency and functionality while also creating a visually pleasing space.
  2. Set a realistic budget: The first and most important consideration when planning a kitchen remodel is your budget. It’s essential to have a realistic budget in mind that you can stick to throughout the entire project. You’ll want to consider the cost of materials, labor, and any additional expenses that may arise during the remodeling process.
  3. Prioritize storage: Adequate storage is crucial for keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Consider adding pull-out shelves, built-in organizers, and cabinets that reach the ceiling for extra storage space. When selecting cabinets and choosing storage solutions, consider the style, color, and material that best fits your design aesthetic, such as glass-fronted cabinets to display your favorite dishes.
  4. Choose the right appliances: Upgrading your kitchen appliances can significantly enhance your cooking and dining experience. When choosing new appliances, consider your cooking habits and the types of meals you prepare. Look for energy-efficient models that can help you save money on utility bills. Also, choose appliances that match your overall design aesthetic.
  5. Illuminate with purpose: Lighting is an essential element of any kitchen design. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting to illuminate workspaces, pendant lights over the island for ambient lighting, and task lighting over the sink and stove. Lighting can not only create an inviting atmosphere but also increase safety and functionality.
  6. Select durable materials: The materials you choose for your kitchen remodel can significantly impact both form and function. Consider materials like granite or quartz for countertops that are durable and easy to clean. Also, choose flooring materials that can withstand high traffic and are easy to clean and maintain, such as tile, hardwood, or vinyl.
  7. Choose the right color palette: Choosing the right color palette can make a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Consider trends like bold color choices or textured finishes to add personality to your space. However, keep in mind that trends come and go, so choose options that will stand the test of time.
  8. Add personality with finishes: While finishes like cabinet hardware and backsplash may seem like small details, they can add significant personality to your kitchen. Choose finishes that complement your design aesthetic, such as vintage-inspired hardware for a traditional kitchen or sleek, modern finishes for a contemporary look.
  9. Don’t forget about the details: Finally, don’t overlook the small details that can enhance both form and function in your kitchen. Think about adding features like a pot filler faucet over the stove or a built-in cutting board in the countertop.

Balancing form and function in a kitchen remodel requires careful consideration of every detail, from the layout to the finishes. By prioritizing practicality and efficiency while also incorporating your design aesthetic, you can create a beautiful, functional space that meets all your needs. As overwhelming as it may seem, let Lenton Company’s design team lead you through the process of designing your dream kitchen to be perfect in every way!

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Changing Your Home’s Style: What to Consider

by Home Remodeling TipsKitchen remodelingKitchens

Your home’s style is a reflection of your personal taste and preferences, and it’s natural to want to update it from time to time. That’s especially true when purchasing an existing home with a previous owners’ style throughout. Whether it’s a complete overhaul or just a few tweaks, changing your home’s style can be a daunting task. However, with some careful consideration and planning, it can also be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore some key considerations and tips to help guide you through the remodeling process of changing styles.

Considerations:

  1. Budget. Before embarking on any renovation project, it’s important to establish a budget. Consider what you can realistically afford and what your priorities are. Determine those areas of your home that are most in need of updating and allocate your budget accordingly.
  2. Timeframe. Changing your home’s style can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to have a realistic timeframe in mind. Consider how long each project will take and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that unexpected delays can occur, so build some flexibility into your schedule.
  3. Functionality. It’s important to consider how your new style will impact the functionality of your home. Will your changes improve the flow of your space? Will they create additional storage or improve organization? Make sure that your new style meets your functional needs.
  4. Resale value. If you plan to sell your home in the future, it’s important to consider how your new style will impact its resale value. While it’s important to make changes that reflect your personal style and taste, it’s also important to consider what impact, if any, those changes will have on the marketability of your home.

    Tips:

    1. Start small. Changing your home’s style doesn’t have to be a major overhaul. Start small with a few changes, such as updating your lighting fixtures or remodeling a guest bathroom. Small changes can make a big impact and help you ease into the process.
    2. Consider the big picture. When making changes to your home’s style, it’s important to consider the big picture. Think about how each change will impact the overall aesthetic of your home. Create a cohesive design plan that ties everything together.
    3. Don’t forget the details. Details can make a big difference when it comes to changing your home’s style. Consider updating your door hardware, changing out switch plates, or adding new window treatments.
    4. Get inspired. Look for inspiration in magazines, online, or in your friends’ homes. Keep a file of images and ideas that inspire you and use them as a starting point for your own style changes. The popular design platform Houzz is a good place to start. In fact, images from Lenton Company’s Houzz profile have been saved more than 10,000 times by the Houzz community into their ideabooks!
    5. Work with professionals. If you’re not sure where to start or need some help with the process, consider working with professionals. A design professional can help you create a cohesive design plan and guide you through the process. At Lenton Company, our designers help clients navigate the many choices and make informed decisions that match their style, needs, and budget. Our designers work with clients to select materials and finishes that fit your vision for your new kitchen. We provide guidance on everything from cabinets and countertops to flooring and backsplashes, helping you choose finishes that complement each other and create a cohesive look throughout your kitchen. Our team can also provide insight into which materials and finishes will work best for your specific project, based on factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and cost.

    Remember to start small, consider the big picture, pay attention to the details, get inspired, and work with professionals if needed. With careful planning and execution, your home can reflect your personal style and taste in no time.

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    7 Tips for Remodeling a Small Space Kitchen for Maximum Functionality and Beauty

    by Kitchen remodelingKitchens

    Remodeling a small space kitchen seem like a daunting task, but with the right planning and design, it can be transformed into a beautiful and functional space that maximizes every inch of available space. Here are some tips for remodeling a small kitchen for maximum functionality and beauty:

    1. Prioritize functionality. When every inch counts, make sure to prioritize functionality in the design by identifying the essential elements needed in your kitchen, such as a stove, refrigerator, sink, and storage. Plan the layout of your kitchen in a way that allows for easy movement and accessibility to these essential elements.
    2. Optimize storage space. As in all kitchens, storage is key. Utilize available space by installing cabinets and shelves up to the ceiling. Consider using pull-out drawers and organizers to maximize the use of the lower cabinets. Consider using open shelves or glass-front cabinets to create an illusion of space while also displaying beautiful dishware.
    3. Choose the right appliances. In a small kitchen, it’s important to choose appliances that are compact and efficient. Look for appliances that are designed for small spaces, such as a slimline refrigerator or a compact dishwasher. Consider using a combination microwave and oven instead of separate appliances to save space.
    4. Use light colors. Light colors make a room feel larger and brighter. Choose light-colored cabinets, walls, and countertops to create an illusion of space. Consider adding a pop of color with accessories, such as a colorful backsplash or vibrant kitchen towels.
    5. Incorporate lighting. Good lighting is essential in a small kitchen. Make sure to incorporate plenty of light sources, including overhead lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and task lighting. Consider using pendant lights or a chandelier to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
    6. Add a functional island. An island can be a great addition to a small kitchen, as it provides additional counter space and storage. Look for a compact island that is specifically designed for small kitchens, such as one with built-in storage or a fold-out table.
    7. Consider the flooring. Flooring can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a small kitchen. Choose flooring that is durable and easy to clean, such as ceramic tiles or vinyl flooring. Consider a patterned floor to create an illusion of space and depth.

    In conclusion, remodeling a small space kitchen for maximum functionality and beauty requires careful planning and attention to detail. By prioritizing functionality, optimizing storage space, choosing the right appliances, using light colors, incorporating lighting, adding a functional island, and considering the flooring, you can transform your small kitchen into a beautiful and functional space that maximizes every inch of available space.

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    Selecting the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen Remodel

    by Kitchen remodelingKitchens

    Choosing the right cabinetry can make or break your remodeling project. Especially in kitchen remodels, cabinetry plays a major role in drawing focus to the overall design and room functionality. One reason is that cabinets command so much wall space and rightly so. Can you imagine if everything housed behind those cabinet doors was in full view? The chaos would be overwhelming.

    Even before deciding type of materials, color, and style for the cabinets, the first question to ask is whether the cabinets will be custom, semi-custom, or ready-to-assemble (commonly referred to as RTA). There is quite a difference between them, most importantly, cost and flexibility.

    Custom cabinetry has the greatest level of flexibility and highest quality since every cabinet is built to the home’s exact specifications. The downside is that the cost can impact the budget substantially. The level of craftsmanship and personalization found in custom kitchen cabinets if often considered the best available.

    Semi-custom cabinets are a popular option. This form of cabinetry is pre-designed with several options to choose from to piece together a custom kitchen. Rather than being hand-crafted, most are made in a factory. Pre-assembled and ready for installation, this is the type of cabinetry found in large box stores. The downside can be its construction using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board that won’t last as long as hardwoods.

    RTA kitchen cabinets are a sub-type of semi-custom cabinets. The difference is that RTA cabinets don’t come assembled, which saves money upfront on shipping and labor. The downside is that not all RTA cabinets are created equal. On one end of the spectrum are the budget-friendly IKEA cabinets – good price but you may need to speak fluent IKEA to follow the diagrams and directions. Another pathway for better quality, availability, convenience, and options is to enlist the services of a dealer to access an industry cabinet manufacturer specializing in this alternative.

    Here’s what to look for to help you select quality RTA cabinets for your project.

    — Do the cabinets use solid wood drawers and doors?

    — Is the material plywood or hardwood construction?

    — Do the drawers have dovetail joinery?

    — Are there easy-to-follow assembly instructions?

    — Have multiple layers of finish or paint been applied by brush?

    Whether selecting custom cabinets, semi-custom, or RTA, Lenton Company can help guide you through the design build process. They partner with dealer-only NorthPoint Cabinetry for many clients looking to stay within a defined budget. The manufacturer’s line offers a QuickBuild quality cabinet solution that addresses the need for a custom look. It is a professional-grade solution without the time and labor associated with custom cabinets. Manufactured in North America with solid wood construction, the cabinets feature sturdy dovetail design and pocket screw assembly that reinforces the cabinet’s structural integrity. Check out this month’s featured project for a dramatic kitchen remodel that used RTA cabinetry.

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    The Deluxe Pantry: The Ultimate Space-Saving Storage Solution

    by Kitchens

    Dreaming of the perfect pantry but lack the space for a walk-in? Meet the deluxe pantry.

    The deluxe pantry is a completely custom kitchen storage solution housed in a cabinet, rather than the traditional walk-in closet style pantry. Its efficient use of space makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or where a walk-in is impractical, and its personalized design ensures a place for everything and everything in its place.

    Our first deluxe pantry was inspired by a homeowner’s Houzz find in 2017. We crafted the ideal pantry cabinet as part of their kitchen renovation, but our clients worked for the military and had to transfer shortly after its completion. When the new homeowners contacted us about upgrading a few other areas in the house, we were thrilled to see the deluxe pantry was still a much-appreciated element in the kitchen.

    These days, the deluxe pantry is a frequently requested Lenton Company specialty. Read on to learn how to maximize these spaces.

    The Great In-Doors

    Whether your deluxe pantry will be small or large, take advantage of the doors. Door shelving is perfect for frequently accessed items, as well as small collections like spices and oils. Your Lenton Company designer will work with you to configure the doors and interior shelves to the correct depths to keep those items within easy reach. 

    In the Shallows

    Your storage can actually be more efficient with shallow cabinets than deep pantries. Opt for several shelves of varying heights — after all, if you can’t see the food in the back of the pantry, you’re unlikely to use it. Shallow shelving makes everything easy to find, use, and put away again — especially when these fixed shelves are at or above eye level.

    Sliding Drawers

    Pull-out drawers are an ideal way to have all your needs at your fingertips, especially if your cabinet is deep. Depending on the items you need to store, you can choose drawers of different heights to store items of all shapes, weights and sizes. Adding custom section separators can help keep things well-organized within these drawers, as well. 

    Closed Camouflage

    While you may want to show off your expertly organized pantry to the world, when entertaining family and friends, you will appreciate cabinetry that allows it to blend seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen. Keeping your assorted food and preparation items conveniently close but hidden makes your culinary world both easy and beautiful.

    Ready to craft your custom kitchen pantry cabinet? Contact us today to learn how a deluxe pantry can solve all your storage needs.

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    5 Kitchen Trends That Are Here to Stay

    by Kitchens

    If you’re considering a remodel of one of the most important rooms in your home, you want to design with trends that are here to stay. You want a kitchen that functions well and looks great — but you don’t want to chase faddish looks that will date your kitchen.

    Check out a few of the trends that will look and work great today and tomorrow and for years to come.

    1. Island Life

    We’re not taking tropical breezes, but the way an island anchors your kitchen with versatility. It adds horizontal space that’s great for food prep, dining, or homework, while the base can be used for extra storage, a beverage fridge, or a microwave drawer. Think about how you want to use it — some prefer it as just a counter, while others like to put a prep or main sink there, and others prefer to have their cooktop or range located in the island.

    2. Building It In

    Cutting clutter and having a space for everything in your kitchen is made easier with the new options for storage. Pull-out spice racks, microwave drawers, dishwasher drawers, dedicated cabinets and counters for a coffee station — all of these and more make life neater and easier.

    3. Wood’s Natural Warmth

    Wherever you look, wood is taking a starring role in kitchen design. In cabinets from traditional to modern, butcher-block counters to hardwood floors, wood is a natural in kitchen design.

    4. Color & Shade

    White kitchens are timeless, but accenting white upper cabinets with a different color like blue or green on the bottom cabinets adds style and dimension. Islands can also be finished in different colors or tones to make them stand out from the rest of the kitchen.

    5. Designing for Life

    If you plan to stay in your home past your retirement, you can design for comfort now — without sacrificing style. Swap out bottom cabinets for deep drawers to save your knees while storing things like stockpots and baking sheets. Side-opening wall ovens make it easier to get things in and out — no more bending and stooping to wrestle a heavy roast or Thanksgiving turkey. Counters of varying heights can make it easier to chop or prep food while on a stool or chair, and leaving space underneath can allow those in chairs or wheelchairs to pull in close. And redesigning your kitchen for more space between surfaces not only makes it more roomy, it will make it more accessible for those using mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.

    Before you start picking out your appliances and finishes, though, you want to find a licensed general contractor near you with experience and integrity. Check reviews and ask for references. A kitchen has so many working parts — many of them hidden like plumbing and electrical — that you want top-notch workmanship from your kitchen remodeler in Lancaster, Palmdale, or the rest of the Antelope Valley.

    We love designing and building kitchens that work as great as they look. To get started on your own kitchen remodeling project, give our team of talented designers and craftsmen at Lenton Company a call at 661-273-9179 or send us an email at service@lentoncompany.com.