Modiani News

Are you planning to redesign your kitchen this year? Learn more about the International Kitchen Design Trends in 2023 as recommended by our Modiani Kitchen Design Team, and be inspired for your own, or your clients’, kitchen redesign projects.

Modern Kitchen Cabinet Designs In 2023

Our Senior Kitchen Designer and Co-Owner at Modiani Kitchens, Kobi Aharon, likes to be one step ahead in terms of the latest kitchen design trends, kitchen models and materials. In order to anticipate international kitchen trends, it is necessary to have a creative mindset, stay up to date with the latest kitchen innovations, as well as to take an active part and approach with regards to the innovation management, research and development processes involved. Our design team at Modiani Kitchens has over 20 years’ experience with European modern high-end kitchen design. It can give you top advice and suggest design considerations that you may not have thought of yourself for your 2023 kitchen renovation.

New Looks and Innovations

When someone is trying to renovate their kitchen, the first thought is trying to predict (and plan for) what will stay timeless and always be on trend. Many expert designers would say that the future of America’s kitchens looks not much different than what they previously predicted. Kitchen design now is primarily influenced by the pandemic and the shifting needs of homeowners who continue to work and cook at home. Since then, kitchens have undergone a whole mess of changes over the course of the last two years. The kitchen has always been an integral room in our homes, and after spending the past two years at home, we gained a new appreciation for our culinary hubs. At Modiani Kitchens, we understand that these spaces are your hearth and empathize that any reliable kitchen may need a makeover. So, let’s go over some of the trends that are hot in 2023.

Daring Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Have you ever considered including some strong, prominent cabinet colors in your kitchen space? While classic white and black kitchen cabinets, and especially the playful combination of both, have been popular kitchen colors in previous years, we can see a tendency to the inclusion of intense color spots in 2023 kitchen designs. Rather than to choose just one color for the kitchen cabinets, the trend in 2023 is to choose one or several elements, like the kitchen island, kitchen wall cabinets or base cabinets in daring colors, like dark red, bright yellow, green or navy blue. In 2023, there is no limitation in terms of which color to choose for your kitchen, as long as it is being combined with classic kitchen cabinet finishes and materials, like dark oak wood, trendy black Fenix laminate, classic white glass or a neutral glass cabinet finish.

Customize Your Fixtures and Finishes

The clean cut style has been the go to for the past twenty somewhat years, though 2023 is a bit of an outlier. Homeowners and designers are now approaching fixtures and finishes that bring a well-worn, and lived-in appeal. Now, in 2023 we’ve seen the likes of polished chrome traded in for an oil-rubbed bronze, stainless steel for brushed nickel–backsplashes. The normal has changed as more time is spent in the kitchen. Small projects like changing your cabinet colors, going with floating shelves or even your countertop material, those types of projects add up and transform your kitchen in a snap! Your goal is to make your space feel even more special because the end game will always be the same: create a kitchen that could have been there 100 years ago—even if it was just built last month.

Minimalistic Kitchen Design

Another trend we can observe in 2023, is the tendency to minimalistic, sleek modern kitchen cabinet design. The idea behind this trend is to allow the kitchen area enough space to breathe and unfold. It is up to you to decide whether to choose minimalistic kitchen design elements throughout the whole interior space, or just for certain elements, like the kitchen island or the shelving systems. You could hence decide to integrate a kitchen island into your space that sacrifices the storage space in favor of a focus on the high-end kitchen floor, or the ability to “see through” the island by only including the most necessary kitchen design elements, like the kitchen island legs and kitchen countertop with integrated sink and/or cooktop. Another modern kitchen design trend in 2023 is to include a wooden kitchen backsplash instead of wall kitchen cabinets. Our Cesar Williamsburg, Intarsio and the 50’s kitchen model is a beautiful example of such a kitchen design. This is something that can especially be considered for large kitchen spaces, which allows for the incorporation of storage space at different locations within your kitchen.

Kitchens Most Popular Home Renovations

With a new year upon us, many are looking ahead to new home renovation projects. And guess what, the popular home renovation projects in New Jersey in previous years were kitchen renovation and redesign projects. According to the experts, 2023 will be no different. Kitchen remodeling remains the number one project on most homeowners lists, and the kitchen design process is to be well prepared. Sure, it’s nice to get new appliances and a new kitchen layout, but what we’re really all after is a beautiful new appearance by considering the latest kitchen design trends of 2023 for our most treasured space within our home. As so many people embrace kitchen remodeling in the home, several trends are emerging. Below are some details on the major trends that are present in kitchen remodeling today.

Innovative Wall Shelving

In 2023, the differentiation between the kitchen and living room space becomes smaller and smaller. Increasingly, modern kitchens become part of a so-called “open kitchen concept” that foregoes walls to create one coherent, open and modern interior space. You can hence design wide, welcoming spaces with freestanding kitchen cabinet elements in combination with innovative, easily accessible kitchen shelving solutions. Such kitchen and living room shelves can either have the same or a similar design as your kitchen, or create a strong contrast to your modern kitchen design, thus generating even more attention and buzz. Our kitchen shelves at Modiani Kitchens are highly customizable, and usually manufactured and imported from Italy, Europe. They can consider different shapes, shelving legs, a variety of wall unit elements, and may include transparent, half-transparent or fabric-integrated glass and cabinet door finishes.

2023 Kitchen Materials & Styles

Though there was a time when the style was to keep everything in a room very coordinated, luxury kitchen designers in 2023 are now playing with a mix of materials and styles to create depth of appearance in a space. Mixed kitchen materials create an inviting appeal, keeping the kitchen at the forefront of spaces that family members desire to be in. Modern kitchen design has never been as popular as it is at the present. Therefore, many kitchen material and design trends are emerging within the realm of contemporary kitchen design. From cabinetry to finishes and everything in between, below are some of the trends that are making a splash in current contemporary design. Over the years, trends in kitchen remodeling have grown and advanced. Many high-end kitchen designers and homeowners are now drawn toward a textured look across the kitchen space, blending modern fixtures and personalized styles. Below is some information on specific trends within different areas of the kitchen.

Color The Way You Want

Don’t panic—white kitchens will always be in. Stick with it. Because white, if anything, is the perfect canvas. But! If you’ve been looking for inspiration in dosing your home with more color, 2023 may be the year to bring some color back into your kitchen. Bold colors are being used everywhere, from built-in backsplashes to appliances. The decision to use dark and deep colors depends on the impression you want to make. The rumor for 2023 was that all-white kitchens and their variants are on their way out due to their lack of practicality–9 months in, white hasn’t gone anywhere. You’re always going to be more likely to clean as white makes schmutz more visible, but there’s a wealth of colors for you to experiment with. So don’t be hesitant, explore a full range of colors and materials when you plan your 2023 modern kitchen with Modiani Kitchens!

Dark And Bold Kitchen Colors

Whether you are concerned about the colors to choose, the style of kitchen cabinets, or design elements, like the countertop or backsplash, continue reading this blog post to find out what’s most trending in kitchen design this year. Former trends in kitchens have involved infusing most surfaces within the space with white or other light colors to drive home brightness. True, diffusing natural light is a major goal of most kitchen designs. However, current trends have big, bold colors being brought into the kitchen, particularly modern kitchen spaces, covering up the classic bright whites of yesteryear. Splashes of cobalt blue, deep red, and forest green are being brought into kitchen design via accent walls, design elements, kitchen cabinetry, tiles, and more.

Custom Made Cabinets

If you’re designing or renovating a modern kitchen in 2023, your cabinets will most likely have to be custom-made, so why not install them up to the ceiling? The upper shelves will be great for items you use only occasionally or seasonally. A project by lead designer Kobi Aharon in Scarsdale, NY, had designers at Modiani Kitchens provide the homeowners with a stunning modern kitchen project– the client then decided they wanted to prioritize the kitchen cabinets. As a result, the homeowner had conversations with our kitchen designers before they consulted with an architect. Their goal was to build the kitchen of their dreams and determine what type of home could be built around it.

Classic White Kitchen Cabinets

White still plays an important role in high-end kitchens in 2023, not only in kitchen cabinetry, but also on selected walls, depending on the kitchen space. Splashes of color are finding their way to walls via colored wall, base or tall cabinets, and onto countertop surfaces by way of plates and other design elements like vases and flowers. So white may still stick around for high-end kitchens (it’s a classic, after all), but as a complement to the big bolds that are being brought in by way of paint and design. Kitchen cabinetry is seen as one of the most defining characteristics in a kitchen because it takes up most of the physical and visual space within the room. In recent years, natural white wood cabinetry has seen a decline in popularity, where darker finishes – even black – have seen an increase.

Trends In Kitchen Countertops

Sticking with the dark and bold kitchen design trend above, dark coloring is finding its way to countertops as well. In fact, darker than dark: black! Black granite and quartz are becoming very popular choices for kitchen countertops. Granite and quartz are both natural materials that offer a wide range of advantages, including durability and ease of upkeep. They have both long been a favorite for kitchens, but the ubiquity of black is hotter than hot this year. Dark colors like black, dark browns and dark grays on countertops work to complement nearly any color scheme, from stark whites to bits of big bold color as this year’s designs are trending.

2023 Countertop Materials & Finishes

Kitchen countertops have shown evolution in recent years, with marble, soapstone, and travertine becoming most common over the old kitchen countertop standby, granite. Though they require more maintenance by way of sealing and cleaning, these new favorites have distinct coloring and toning that homeowners are very drawn to as of late. Wood countertops made of materials such as ironwood and rich walnut are also gaining steam, as you can see in our high-end kitchen portfolio. Similar to trends in cabinetry in contemporary design, countertops also are going monochromatic. Rather than traditional and speckled materials like granite, kitchen designers are instead drawn to light colored marble and Quartz countertops. In the instance that granite is utilized, it is flamed or honed rather than its traditional polished treatment. Countertops and islands are featuring stovetop ranges and sinks, and refrigeration units inside drawers are becoming increasingly popular as well.

Design Elements In Your Kitchen

What types of items are commonly displayed? Use and move around some of your below kitchen utensils, to see which ones may look nice being more visible or exposed than others. You will be surprised how many of your day-to-day kitchen items you can use as design elements, and don’t miss your guests reactions and facial expressions when seeing and admiring your newly gained decoration skills. Try experimenting with some of the below items, and see how you can arrange them beautifully, so they become part of your kitchen style and design. You can also ask our Modiani design team for some assistance with this final part of your kitchen design process.

• Pots and Pans
• Spice
• Oils & Vinegars
• Plates
• Stemware
• Dried Goods (rice, barley, etc.) in Jars
• Glasses

Kitchen Cabinet Features & Handles

Finger pulls for kitchen drawers or cabinets are gaining steam, leaving decorative pulls behind. The visual achieved through this kitchen feature is a less cluttered, more streamlined look. Sleek lines and a modern appearance typically characterize contemporary Italian kitchen design, where kitchen cabinet handles can optionally be installed or left aside altogether. The cabinetry and finishes chosen hugely impacts this characterization. Contemporary kitchen design is often described as linear and almost always features sleek lines. Although vertical lines were once the norm, horizontal lines are now becoming more popular. This helps to promote the current trend of creating fluidity between the kitchen space and the rest of the home by visually extending the impact of the kitchen area. Read more about this topic in our online luxury kitchen blog. Meanwhile, accessories including kitchen handles for modern, traditional and transitional kitchen cabinets have also changed. Hardware has been minimized or gotten rid of all together. The Lazy Susan, a longtime favorite in kitchen cabinets, has gone by the wayside. In its place, storage racks that have been engineered to be as functional as possible now retract behind cabinets.

Kitchen Island Trends

Although designers may be shying away from lighting design that draws all of the attention to the kitchen island, in 2023 they are becoming more and more attracted to the idea of a large multi-functional kitchen island. Today’s contemporary kitchen islands are large enough that they may serve as an eating space, a workspace, and sometimes even a cooking space. This allows for multiple family members to use the island at once and provides an alternative to the typical kitchen table.

Kitchen Wall Waiter Design

Why hide away all that beautiful stemware and all of those beautiful vibrant Fiestaware plates? Current design trends in 2023 have homeowners putting their best and brightest shelving on display, infusing their kitchen space with their belongings as decorations. To make this trend possible, open air shelving is hitting walls in traditional, transitional and modern Italian kitchens everywhere. Shelves installed where closed kitchen cabinets would typically be found, open up a wide world of possibility when it comes to displaying your beautiful gadgets in your kitchen. When it comes to home improvement and kitchen remodeling projects, no room is more commonly worked on than the kitchen. As homeowners know, their new modern luxury kitchen including their wall shelving has an important place not only in the day-to-day life of the family but also for entertaining. Therefore, a beautiful and functional kitchen with plenty of storage and shelving is important to current and prospective homeowners alike.

Custom Walk-In Closet Trends

And since more and more of our clients in NJ and the wider tri-state area choose open kitchen concepts for their new kitchen designs, we have adapted accordingly, and are now also providing custom furniture design, our custom walk-in closets being amongst the most popular custom designs in 2023. These closets flexibly integrate into our clients’ bed and living rooms, and are custom made in our partner factory in Italy. This Italian walk-in closet factory is where today’s innovation and the top products in 2023 are being invented. Italy has traditionally been know for being one step in advance, both in terms of product design and materials used. You can visit our Modiani kitchen showroom in NJ or CT to see our most innovative walk-in closet on display, or be inspired by our online walk-in closet section to see which closet style it is you prefer and can see in your very own home in 2023.

Kitchen Lighting Trends

Last but certainly not least, kitchen lighting, which sets the tone in the kitchen, is becoming more and more artful and important in 2023. Just as targeted lighting is installed in most workplaces, it has also replaced washed out overhead lighting in many kitchens, which is, after all, a workspace. Kitchen lighting inside of cabinets is also gaining popularity because, like the light in the refrigerator, it gives visual access to all of the items being stored inside. Although past trends favored the installation of pendant lighting over an island or another freestanding piece in today’s luxury kitchen, this trend is slowly fading away. A major trend in modern kitchen design now is to make the kitchen feel as though it is a seamless addition to a fluid home. Often, rather than being its own private room, the kitchen is now a more open space. Therefore, designers are tending to shy away from pendant lighting over the island, which draws attention to the island. Instead, designers are drawn to lighting that promotes fluidity between the kitchen and the spaces surrounding it.

Kitchen Flooring Trends

As wood has shown a growing popularity in countertops, it has re-emerged in kitchen flooring options in 2023. In the recent past, wood flooring in the kitchen was nearly unheard of, as water and moisture were easily trapped beneath planks, causing long-term problems. However, the types of hardwoods being used for American and Italian kitchen cabinets today are sealed to perfection and therefore trapped moisture is no longer an issue. With new flooring solutions with bamboo and cork, modern kitchens are getting really interesting looks. Of course, tile remains a common kitchen flooring solution, but that too has evolved. Tile flooring now includes an option for in-tile heat, which radiates and keeps the floor from getting too cold.

Kitchen Appliance Trends

Appliances are undoubtedly one of the most important features in the 2023 kitchen, as they lend the kitchen most of its functionality. Appliances and sinks are both being worked directly into contemporary designs. In addition to common appliances such as a stovetop and oven, many modern kitchens now also include a range hood placed either on the wall or over an island. Recent trends have also shown evolution in refrigeration units, too, with many families installing refrigerator and freezer drawers beneath their kitchen cabinetry in 2023. Stainless steel appliances have always been a staple of modern design, and current contemporary design trends are no different. Stainless steel finishes are also becoming more ubiquitous in contemporary kitchen design. In cooperation with minimalistic cabinetry and countertop design, stainless steel finishes give an almost industrial look to the kitchen.

Creating A Modern Look In 2023

European styles have been gaining popularity in the United States as of late, particularly in high-end kitchen design. Characterized by simplicity, European kitchen designs in 2023 often feature sleek lines. Common materials are hard plastics and steel, which are in contrast to more traditional American designs that typically featured intricate woodwork. Ergonomics is a study that focuses on functionality in spacing and utility. Ergonomics, it would seem, should have always played a role in kitchen layouts, but the truth is that kitchens are not always planned for reliable workability in their original form. Newly designed luxury kitchens in 2023 reflect the professional layouts of restaurant kitchens. Often these kitchens include:

• A fruit and vegetable prep area located near the main sink
• A baking station: pull out a cutting board and/or lift-up mixer in the base of the cabinets
• A sandwich prep area: near the refrigerator
• A second sink in the kitchen island for additional prep
• A bar and mini-fridge on the island

These modern, ergonomically sound luxury kitchens are focused on organization and ease of use, two qualities that are of utmost importance to today’s on-the-go homeowner.

The New Age Of Kitchen Technology

When someone purchases a home, one of the first essentials is appliances. These days certain appliances take weeks to arrive, as you should spare little expense on your appliances. As computers become smaller and easier to use in any home room, many find the kitchen the most desirable space to catch up on emails or work while in the home. To keep up with this trend, many homeowners are integrating additional plugs and charging stations into their modern kitchen projects. Though there was a time that a personal computer would have its own home office room dedicated to it, laptops and tablets made it much easier to catch up on work while remaining within and amongst the household. A stove, a microwave, an air fryer, but it’s 2023. A standard stove is fantastic, but 2023 trends are in the direction of smart appliances. Imagine preheating your oven on your way home from the office or refrigerators that order milk when you’re low, even notifying you when a registered product you bought has expired. Right before our very eyes, smart technology has been integrated into our daily lives.

Increasing Number Of Kitchen Renovations

After many years of holding back on investing in the home, many homeowners are coming out of the shadows and are finally getting back in the game of improving the home. For many American families in NJ, the luxury kitchen is the first spot being renovated in 2023. The kitchen holds huge importance in almost any home, contributing a place to gather, to eat, and to prepare meals. For many people, the kitchen sets the tone for the entire home by serving as the epicenter of most family activity. Therefore, having a functional kitchen that matches the styles and tastes of the family is of utmost importance to many. One thing is for sure, there are no design limitations in 2023!

Bring Your Kitchen Into 2023 With Modiani Kitchens

Visit our exclusive Modiani Kitchens showrooms in Englewood, NJ, and our newest showroom location in Greenwich, CT. Modiani Kitchens only commits to bringing you the most refined design and custom cabinetry when planning your new modern kitchen. Contact us today for more information regarding your custom kitchen project.

 

It is our pleasure to announce that our NJ Kitchen Showroom has moved.

Our newest Modiani Kitchens location is 525 N. Dean St. Englewood NJ 07631

Please update your records with our new address. Business is open at our new location as of May 2, 2022.

To visit the new showroom please contact us at 201-568-7800

As part of our Modiani Kitchen Display Sale, we are currently offering selected Modiani kitchen models/islands at a discounted price.

Custom Kitchen Display

Well-equipped custom display, 3 years old only!

Kitchen Description:

• Caesarstone countertop and backsplash.
• With Thermador appliances and Blanco sink and faucet.
• Cabinets Manufacturer: Holiday kitchens
• Shaker doors , white painted overlay doors.
• Drawers – solid wood– soft closing
• Pull-out double trash bin
• Corner -pull-out
• Bottle racks pull-out
• Plenty of drawers.

SOLD

SOLD

Contact Information:

Please contact our General Manager Gil via Email or Phone on +1 (917) 414-5990 if you are interested in one of our kitchen displays on sale. You can also set up a kitchen appointment to view the kitchens on sale any time during our Modiani showroom opening hours.

We are updating our Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Englewood, NJ, which is why the following furniture and kitchen appliances are on sale:

• Refrigerator and Freezer by Gaggenau for USD 7,800
• Italian Stools & High-Top Table for USD 600
• Glass Coffee Table for USD 250

Refrigerator and Freezer

Our Modiani Kitchen Gaggenau 30″ panel ready refrigerator as well as our Gaggenau 30″ panel ready freezer displays are currently on sale at our Modiani kitchen showroom. These kitchen appliances are on display at our Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Englewood, NJ. They are new, in excellent condition and have never been used. They are available for pick-up at our kitchen showroom at 46 S Dean Street, Englewood, New Jersey. The sales price is USD 7,800. Please contact our kitchen showroom on 201.568.7800 or via email to info@modianikitchens.com for more details.

Kitchen Appliance Models:

• RC472701 / Gaggenau Vario refrigerator
• RF471701 / Gaggenau Vario freezer

 

Italian Stools & High-Top Table

Three red Italian high-end designer stools are now on sale at our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ. They can either be purchased individually at a cost of USD 150 each, or in combination with the glass table at a total cost of USD 600 (cost of glass table individually: USD 150). The designer stools are made of fine leather, and the high-top glass table comes with a steel pedestal. The stools and table are in excellent condition and can be picked up at our kitchen showroom at 46 South Dean Street, Englewood, New Jersey within our opening hours. Please contact our kitchen showroom on 201.568.7800 or via email to info@modianikitchens.com for more details.

 

Coffee Table

We have a modern coffee table on sale at our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ. The coffee table is made of glass and lies on steel framed legs. The glass table can be picked up at our showroom any time on a first come first served basis. The cost is USD 250. The fireplace is not for sale. You can contact Modiani Kitchens on 201.568.7800 or via email to info@modianikitchens.com for more details.

 

Kitchen Displays On Sale

We also have a traditional RUTT kitchen display, Cesar UNIT base cabinets and a Cesar Maxima 2.2 modern kitchen island on sale. Visit our kitchen display sale section to learn more about the kitchen models, kitchen features and pricing.

Have you ever wondered what the most common measurements for kitchen designs are? Below you will find a glossary of terms and their most common measurements when it comes to kitchen sizing and design.

Kitchen Base Cabinets (Small Kitchen):

It is important to understand how much weight your kitchen can carry in terms of kitchen cabinetry, which depends on the overall kitchen size. Small kitchens can support 156 inches of front-facing cabinets. Custom kitchen cabinets should be at least twenty-one inches deep.

Kitchen Base Cabinets (Large Kitchen):

Should you be the lucky owner of a large kitchen, be aware that these can support 192 inches of front-facing cabinets. In terms of kitchen sizing, keep in mind that your kitchen cabinets should be at least twenty-one inches deep.

Kitchen Countertop Depth:

Both, large and small custom kitchens, should have a kitchen countertop depth of at least sixteen inches.

Kitchen Countertop Height:

Kitchen countertops should be installed at two different heights within the kitchen. If you have two kitchen countertops, one of them should fall within the range of 26 to 36 inches and the other countertop should fall in the range of 36 to 45 inches.

Kitchen Countertop Length (Small Kitchen):

There should be at least 132 inches of usable countertop space in a small kitchen. There should be at least 24 inches of countertop on at least one side of the sink.

Kitchen Countertop Length (Large Kitchen):

There should be at least 198 inches of usable countertop space in a large kitchen. There should be at least 24 inches of countertop on at least one side of the sink.

Doorway:

The minimum width for a doorway in your kitchen should be 32 inches. The maximum depth for a doorway should be 24 inches.

Kitchen Drawers:

Drawers in your custom kitchen must be at least fifteen inches wide and at least twenty-one inches deep within your modern or traditional kitchen space.

Kitchen Seating Area:

To plan your custom kitchen design, feel free to contact our Modiani kitchen showroom anytime for a complimentary kitchen consultation. In terms of the sizing for your kitchen seating area, keep in mind that it is important to leave at least 36 inches between your seating areas and your kitchen countertops and walls. These sizing measurements particularly apply if no foot traffic needs to pass behind your kitchen seated area. In contrast, if you have foot traffic pass behind your kitchen seating area, you should probably leave a space of at least 65 inches behind your seating area.

Walkway:

Walkways are spaces between large design items and elements within your kitchen and interior space. For custom kitchen designs, your kitchen walkways should typically be at least 36 inches wide.

Wall Kitchen Cabinets (Small Kitchen):

If you are the owner of a small kitchen, these can support an average of 144 inches of front-facing kitchen cabinets. Your cabinets should be at least twelve inches deep and be at least thirty inches tall, depending on your kitchen space.

Wall Kitchen Cabinets (Large Kitchen):

Large kitchens can typically support at least 186 inches of wall cabinets. It is very important to take the time and measure your kitchen sizing exactly. Like in small kitchens, cabinets should be at least twelve inches deep and should be at least thirty inches tall.

Kitchen Work Triangle:

The so-called kitchen work triangle is the path a cook usually takes while working in the kitchen. It is the paths between the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. This entire work triangle should be no more than 26 feet wide, with no leg of the triangle longer than nine feet or shorter than four feet. It is generally recommended to not place any major walkways through the work triangle. Tip: If it’s common for two people to be cooking in your custom kitchen at the same time, it might be a good idea to measure out a full work triangle for each cook. These work triangles should be situated so that the cooks do not need to cross one another’s paths constantly, which could otherwise lead to collision during a busy cooking time. If you need any further tips or advice for your custom kitchen sizing, feel free to contact our kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ anytime.

After choosing the kitchen appliances for your new kitchen, you will have to decide what kind of kitchen furniture you would like to have in your kitchen. The most talked about kind of kitchen furniture are of course the kitchen cabinets. The variety of cabinets available today is nothing short of astounding, ranging from simple, traditional maple wood cabinets to modern kitchen cabinets offering brass legs.

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets come in three fundamental types – “custom” made cabinetry, semi-custom cabinetry and production cabinetry that is made in factories and sold in pre-determined styles. Providing the greatest visual impact in a kitchen, cabinets need to be functional with regards to storage space and accessibility as well as durable and resistant to environmental effects particular to kitchens. Depending on the value of your home and your budget, you also want to make sure that your cabinetry will last for a long period of time. While some production cabinetry may need to be replaced after a couple of years, custom made kitchens may last up to 20+ years, depending on the brand and kitchen cabinet finish you choose. Besides the functional aspects, you also want to make sure that the aesthetics of your new kitchen are in line with your personal preferences and style, and while semi-custom or production cabinets may seem like the cheaper option initially, be sure that the kitchen cabinets chosen perfectly integrate with your existing kitchen space, which is always the case when choosing a fully custom kitchen.

Kitchen Islands

If you are looking for more storage or counter space in your kitchen, and your kitchen space is large enough, gracing it with a beautifully handcrafted traditional or modern kitchen island can satisfy your functional and aesthetic needs. Most traditional kitchen islands are made from butcher block wood that has been stained and sealed to prevent damage, with options such as towel bars, pull-out partial counters, and casters for mobility purposes. In terms of modern kitchen design, you can pretty much choose from any desired kitchen material and finish for your kitchen island, either the same as used for your modern base, wall and tall cabinetry, or a completely new kitchen island finish to make your island stand out more by forming a nice contrast.

Bar Stools And Chairs

For kitchens with long or deep kitchen countertops, or integrated kitchen or work tables, bar stools and chairs are available in various types of wood and metal. They often come equipped with cushions made from leather, suede or easier to clean, high-grade leather/plastic combinations. At Modiani Kitchens, we have a variety of designer stools and seats on display, about which you can learn more during your next kitchen showroom visit.

Kitchen Carts

Larger, busy luxury kitchens often need a charming, portable kitchen cart to hold items necessary to create a sumptuous meal without anyone needing to get up and down from the dining table. Available in all sizes, kitchen carts can also be used as outdoor barbecue accessories or for other entertaining purposes.

Baker Racks

Originally made from metal or wrought iron and having shelves on which bakers placed their goods to cool, baker’s racks are now a type of ornamental kitchen furniture designed to hold wine bottles or decorative items meant to enhance a kitchen’s ambiance. Whenever desired by our clients, our Modiani design team makes sure to include baker racks in the initially proposed kitchen design draft.

Kitchen Buffets

Elegant and stunningly artistic, kitchen buffets transform medium to larger kitchens into the masterpiece of the home. Buffets with granite tops offer great places on which to work and can safely display your most valuable dinnerware or kitchen heirlooms. With flair and beauty, and as you can see in our online kitchen portfolio, natural wood kitchen buffets also provide extra space and storage without compromising the style of your kitchen.

Pot Racks

Pot racks allow full-time cooks to hang their pots and pans from the kitchen side wall or ceiling for easy access and aid in keeping the kitchen organized. Pot racks lend an open, spacious air to the kitchen and also move clockwise and counterclockwise to facilitate finding just the right pot or pan without spending time digging through drawers full of utensils.

Accessorize your newly renovated kitchen with unique and functional kitchen furniture to add that personal touch to which you have always wanted to enhance your kitchen.

When it comes to the custom kitchen design process, there are two major styles that you can choose from: traditional and modern kitchen design; or a blend of both, also known as transitional kitchen design, but let’s focus on the two major popular kitchen styles now. In general, traditional kitchen design is characterized by intricate design details, the use of warm natural material, such as stone and wood, and an overall classic or country-inspired aesthetic and look. Contemporary, or modern kitchen design, on the other hand, embraces a very sleek, fresh look that incorporates polished surfaces, sleek elements and a minimalistic design approach.

Modern Kitchen Considerations

By its very nature, contemporary kitchen design is meant to feel as though it is cutting edge and of the current times. Keep in mind that this means that contemporary design is not necessarily timeless as it clearly represents ongoing kitchen cabinet design, finish and color trends. Within about ten years of your kitchen installation, many modern or contemporary designs may need an overhaul if it is the latest kitchen trends you are looking for to impress your friends and family when inviting them over to your home. This is particularly true in do-it-yourself contemporary kitchen approaches, where upcoming trends may not be known, hence making it difficult to anticipate them. Professional kitchen designers, like our team at Modiani Kitchens, work to curb this effect by layering cabinet texture, color, and style elements to create a look that is contemporary in its feel yet not as modern that it would quickly become outdated.

Traditional Kitchen Considerations

Similarly, by its very nature, traditional kitchen design is meant to feel classic and therefore, in many ways is. Traditional design in the US works to embrace styles that have long been popular in the United States, hence why traditional kitchen styles often have a rural-inspired look and feel. Due to the traditional use of wood and stone for the kitchen cabinetry and countertops in traditional kitchen designs, traditional kitchen projects often feel as though they could have been in existence for many decades – of course in a classic, not dated, way.

Which Kitchen Style To Choose?

When you are deciding, whether or not you would like a modern or a traditional kitchen design in your very own interior space, here are a few things you may want to consider when choosing the right style:

• How long are you planning on living in your home? If you are remodeling the kitchen for the purpose of enhancing the sales value of your home, a modern kitchen may be a very good way to go. Many prospective homeowners – particularly first-time homeowners – want the best and most modern kitchen appliances and appearances in their kitchen space. Conversely, if you are planning to stay in your home for another 10-15 years and then you may want to sell it, a traditional kitchen design may retain its relevance better for those future buyers.
• What is your personal style? Some people would not necessarily like a contemporary style kitchen, while others would recoil at the detailed appearance of a traditional design. Have a look at our Modiani kitchen portfolio to learn more about what style of kitchen it is you like. It is important to know what type of style you want in your home since the kitchen is a very important, if not the most important, place in the house.
• What is the style of the rest of the home? Plopping an ultra-modern kitchen in an otherwise traditionally designed home will lead to an incongruence throughout the home. This can affect whether or not someone will buy the house at any given moment in the future, as many “would-be home buyers” often want a cohesive home and design that feels like it is one sturdy unit.
• What will serve you the best? How is the kitchen used? Some last questions you may want to ask yourself could be if you tend to entertain and invite over friends a lot at home, or if you don’t usually cook for yourself and/or others. Know how much foot traffic usually goes through your interiors and kitchen space, how much the kitchen tends to be used, what it is typically used for, and how each design element in your kitchen space might complement those uses versus negate them.
• There are many more things to be considered, and if you still haven’t made up your mind about your desired kitchen style, feel free to contact our Modiani kitchen showroom for some further assistance, good tips and/or a complimentary kitchen design consultation at our boutique style kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ.

In the world of kitchen design, there are several different categories of style that most designs fall under:

• Contemporary Style Kitchens
• Traditional Style Kitchens
• Transitional Style Kitchens

Below, we will go in-depth about each of these popular kitchen design styles and the characteristics that you can expect from each one of them. Kitchen cabinetry has a huge impact on the overall appearance and feeling of the kitchen space, which is why our team of kitchen designers at Modiani Kitchens in Englewood, NJ enjoys taking you through all kitchen style and design options.

 

Contemporary Style Kitchens

A contemporary style kitchen is characterized by a sleek and uncluttered appearance. Contemporary may also be called modern. Many European high-end kitchen designers tend toward contemporary style kitchens due to their modern appeal and their smooth, straightforward approach to design. One quality of contemporary design is that the kitchen designer works to create one cohesive look. This often means that large kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and ovens, are designed so as to blend in with the room rather than present themselves. Designing appliances and kitchen cabinetry to feature wood, steel, or to be lacquered is very common in contemporary design, also see our modern kitchen portfolio. Light fixtures are treated as visual centerpieces in contemporary design and are often very artistic in their appearance. Contemporary design is rarely overly accessorized, and countertops are typically square edged and made of a natural but modern material such as metal or glass.

Traditional Style Kitchens

Traditional design is another way of saying common or “old fashioned” design. Traditional style kitchen design embraces intricate woodworking and styling that may have been possible in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can think of a traditional kitchen as a very straightforward, albeit warm and inviting, kitchen layout. Natural woods and warm colors are very prevalent in traditional design. In traditional design, lighting will be more functional than it is artistic. Accessories, while prevalent, will not be quirky or draw too much attention to themselves. Neutral and natural color tones are popular in countertops and flooring. Natural stone, for example, is a very popularly used material in our traditional kitchen projects. In addition to stone, wood is a hugely prevalent material in a traditional kitchen. Often the cabinetry and flooring will be wood. “Farmhouse”, “rustic”, and “country” are all words that are used to describe such designs, however, it should be noted that traditional design is not the opposite of luxury by any means. Many extremely well-designed and high-end kitchens embrace a traditional style. Traditional design is more about embracing woods, natural fixtures, and intricate styling than it is about embracing anything that could be described as “low end”.

Transitional Style Kitchens

There are instances where a kitchen designer will embrace elements from contemporary luxury design as well as elements from traditional design. These mix-and-match style designs are referred to as “crossover” or transitional kitchen designs. For example, one design may embrace the stark countertop style of a contemporary design while also working in intricate styling details that would be more evident of a traditional design. This embrace of both worlds comes from a widening in interests on behalf of the kitchen dweller. For example, many homeowners who love to cook and consider themselves to be good cooks enjoy watching shows about cooking while they are in the kitchen, thus necessitating a more modern appearance with a television incorporated into the space. Please have a look at our transitional kitchen portfolio for more details.

Modiani As Modern Kitchen Design Expert

Our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ is proud to be New Jersey’s expert for modern or contemporary kitchen design. Modern style kitchens are often characterized by the use of glass, wood, steel, laminates, plastic, and granite. Depending on the style of your home, a modern kitchen can be an excellent complement to the existing space. If you are considering updating your kitchen with a modern look, there are several elements to consider. A modern appearance in the kitchen is achieved by the implementation of specific styles in the appliances, countertops, fixtures, and cabinetry in the kitchen space, and round edges are also popular in modern design. Because modern designs always have an eye on functionality, modern kitchen projects often feature a variety of storage options including cabinets as well as drawers. Glass doors are often incorporated into the modern kitchen cabinet design in order to showcase modern housewares. Modern cabinetry does not feature a lot of space between cabinets or drawers and instead has a solid, streamlined, cohesive appearance to it.

Kitchen Design Features

Perhaps more than any other space in the home, in the kitchen, appliances are key in people’s home and need to go hand in hand with the chosen kitchen style. The kitchen appliances that are used to achieve a modern look in the kitchen are often stainless steel. Although some kitchens can get away without having all of the most up-to-date modern appliances available, a modern kitchen project relies on functionality and a feeling of advanced technology. Therefore, to achieve a modern kitchen, appliances should include a dishwasher, a microwave, a ventilation chimney, range cookers, sinks, and faucets. The kitchen sink is another way to add to the overall modern design of the kitchen. Modern kitchen sinks are often made of glassy steel, white ceramic, or black granite. Many modern designs – which are purposed to enhance functionality in the kitchen – actually feature two kitchen sinks. The larger sink is used for washing large cooking utensils that would not go in the dishwasher. Meanwhile, the smaller sink is used to clean vegetables or to prepare food for cooking.

Modern Kitchen Islands And Countertops

Gaining popularity in all types of kitchen styles, kitchen islands are also a major feature and part of today’s kitchen design considerations. Like kitchen countertops, kitchen islands come in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs. Common materials used for the kitchen island are marble, limestone, and granite. Kitchen islands may either be permanently installed by being affixed to the kitchen floor or they may be mobile or freestanding. Permanently installed kitchen islands may have appliances or sinks integrated into them, making the island an extremely functional space within the kitchen. Islands are also often used as a dining space, either in addition to or in place of a more traditional kitchen table. Kitchen countertops are also very important in the kitchen, and they come in a variety of styles. For the modern kitchen, the most popular materials for the countertop are concrete, marble, limestone, and granite. These materials bear a clean and streamlined appearance and they are also fairly easy to maintain, enhancing the functionality of their presence. As you can see, there are many decisions that go hand in hand with the considerations regarding your ideal kitchen style. Contact our Modiani kitchen showroom to find out more about the kitchen design and style options for your particular interior space.

In recent years, the green movement in the kitchen design industry has grown like never before. Our European kitchen partner company Cesar Italian Kitchens, for whom Modiani Kitchens is the exclusive distributor in New Jersey, has reacted to this movement and puts a very high focus on green, sustainable kitchen cabinets. In this article, we will focus on how you can go green in the kitchen as well as the benefits of doing so in the areas of appliances and materials used in the kitchen space, so continue to read if you want to find out more about environmental-friendly kitchen cabinets, ongoing green developments as well as sustainable kitchen trends.

Aspects of Environmental-Friendly Kitchens

Though environmentally friendly custom kitchen cabinets were at one time very expensive and difficult to find, as green practices are becoming more popular and ubiquitous, it is now becoming much easier to infuse the home with green, sustainable traditional or modern kitchen designs and cabinetry that is sourced in a sustainable way and will hence reduce the impact on the environment to a minimum. Every room and interior space has its own host of possibilities when it comes to green living. Going green in your custom kitchen is to a large extent also about the products you choose to use in your kitchen space. With the kitchen perhaps more than any other room, this means a heavy focus on the types of major kitchen appliances you purchase.

Green EPA Kitchen Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has defined standards for energy-efficient kitchen appliances. If an appliance complies with the EPA’s standards for energy efficiency, it is given an Energy Star certification. Energy Star appliances use anywhere from ten to fifty percent less energy and water compared to non-Energy Star appliances. This means a huge amount of savings month to month in your energy and water bills as well as a positive impact on the environment.

Green Modern, Transitional and Traditional Kitchens

Another way to embrace green practices in your traditional, transitional or modern luxury kitchen is to use environmentally safe paints and wood preservatives. Paints and wood preservatives that are not created to be environmentally safe can, in addition to negatively impacting the environment, actually have negative effects on your health. Due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such substances can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and in some cases might even cause cancer. Our kitchen design team at Modiani Kitchens doesn’t want to scare you here, but we want you to be aware of all aspects involved with green and lesser green kitchens, so you can make careful considered kitchen purchasing decisions. So just be aware that environmentally safe paints are free of VOCs, and hence don’t have these risks. Feel free to contact our NJ based kitchen showroom for more details.

Green Kitchen Flooring and Countertops

If you are considering going green for your new custom luxury kitchen, you may also want to embrace environmentally friendly surface products, such as flooring and kitchen countertops. For example, bamboo is considered a very environmentally friendly product to use in the kitchen. Bamboo grows very quickly and is abundant. Therefore, the impact of sourcing it for flooring and other uses within the home is not considered to have a heavy impact on the environment. For this reason, bamboo has become a very popular material in the kitchen, particularly in kitchen flooring. The embrace of other natural kitchen materials, such as stone or wood, is considered green and sustainable as well. Synthetically manufactured products in contrast, such as vinyl and plastics, are created using chemicals, which can affect the environment negatively.

Steps To Your Green Kitchen

When considering how to integrate green kitchen cabinetry, practices and kitchen appliances into your kitchen and how to identify and anticipate the latest green kitchen trends, ask our Modiani kitchen designers or take a look at the cabinetry and kitchen appliances you have in your interior space right now and come up with a plan in terms of how you can go green wisely. And whenever you are ready for your green kitchen renovation or the next time you are looking for a major new kitchen appliance, for example, you can consider all of the above aspects or replace your existing kitchen appliance with one that has an Energy Star rating. Keep in mind that you don’t need to go completely green all at once. In order to begin positively impacting the environment it is a good idea to slowly start your green initiative by lessening your impact through the right, environmental-friendly kitchen cabinetry, countertop, flooring and appliance choices. Visit our green kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ to find out more about the green approach.

Did you know that kitchen cabinet door styles can literally “make or break” the aesthetic quality of your kitchen? This may mean that your chosen cabinet door styles may be leaving you with a beautiful kitchen that is the envy of your friends, or a kitchen that has the personality of an old rug. So better be careful and considerate when choosing the door styles of your custom kitchen design.

 

Shaker-Style Kitchen Cabinets

Shaker style kitchens are one of the most commonly used styles of custom kitchen cabinets. This cabinet door style involves charming, old-world style kitchens that typically have flat panels, simple lines, and clear functional advantages. Because of its simplicity, shaker-style kitchen cabinets enhance all types of decor, from traditional to eclectic to contemporary styles. Incorporating pewter hardware with this style of kitchen cabinets tends to further emphasizes its vintage appeal.

 

Louvered Kitchen Cabinets

Louvered cabinet styles are typically seen on kitchen cabinet doors, windows and various kitchen furniture design elements. It involves the placement of horizontal wood slats that are being featured on louvered high-end kitchen cabinets, bestowing a distinctively elegant characteristic to a newly remodeled kitchen. In addition, some louvered cabinets provide areas between the slats that make them great to use when cabinets need ventilation, such as those placed near a laundry room or a radiator.

Beadboard Kitchen Cabinet

Resembling cottage-style kitchen cabinets, beadboard styles involve the incorporation of kitchen center panels that look like traditional beadboard used prior to paint, plaster, and drywall. It is hence becoming a common type of decorative treatment in today’s kitchen design. Pure white beadboard kitchen cabinets are popular among homeowners who are looking for a spacious, clean appearance in their kitchen that blends well with the rest of the home’s methodology. It is important to be aware that beadboard kitchen cabinets require the implementation of tiny crevasses in order to complete their unique design style, which tends to collect dirt more easily than other kitchen cabinet door styles.

 

Inset Kitchen Cabinets

A bit pricier than other cabinet styles, inset kitchen cabinets offer a timeless look that evolves with each passing decor and kitchen trend to remain classic and attractive. While typical doors on kitchen cabinets are on the exterior of the frame, inset cabinets are designed to rest on the interior of the frame. Constructed using exact measurements so that it works properly, inset kitchen cabinets made with wood generally do not suffer from functional problems, like the contraction and expansion of wood over time.

 

Distressed Kitchen Cabinets

Distressed kitchen cabinets are those that have been professionally “worn” to appear antique in style. Kitchen designers can perform various distressing techniques on kitchen cabinets, such as rubbing the sharpness off corners, applying stains and adding hardware that is reminiscent of older style cabinetry.

Get Started On Your Cabinet Choice

The visibility of kitchen cabinets makes it imperative that you choose a style that blends seamlessly with your overall luxury kitchen design, hence providing you with years of enjoyment in appearance as well as functionality. To learn more about kitchen cabinet door styles and to find out what would work best for your kitchen project, reach out to Modiani Kitchens in Englewood, NJ anytime.

While the majority of our clients at Modiani Kitchens tend to have larger homes located in New Jersey, Upstate New York, Westchester and Long Island, we also serve the other spectrum of our clients that may have a small city apartment in places like Manhattan, Brooklyn or Jersey City. These high-end city kitchens tend to be narrow and small, and our focus needs to be on space optimization and visual widening to make sure the kitchen looks bigger than it is and integrates well with the interior space and design. There are many approaches one can take towards updating a small kitchen space, even if you don’t have too much space to work with. Our Modiani kitchen designers are here to assist and to give you the best possible tips and advice regarding your new small kitchen layout, style and design.

 

Kitchen Lighting In Small Kitchens

Pay attention to the lighting in your custom kitchen space, especially if you are redesigning a small kitchen with limited natural light. Though many people think a lot about the lighting in the living room, the lighting in the kitchen is often overlooked, which is why our kitchen designers are happy to assist with your individual lighting needs based on your floor plans and kitchen layout. Smart kitchen lighting can add atmosphere to your kitchen space, making it more pleasant and ultimately functional since all areas used within your kitchen are visible at all times.

 

Kitchen Appliances In Small Kitchens

Whenever a client is looking for a new small kitchen design, we often recommend to also look into new kitchen appliances. This can further enhance the functionality of a small and can additionally ensure energy efficiency. New kitchen appliances also tend to have plenty of features that work to make your life easier. Additionally, new appliances can breathe new life into a small kitchen space by creating a cohesive look across the kitchen. In a small kitchen, logically the kitchen appliances are going to take up a huge part of the room’s space. Therefore, installing sleek appliances, such as made of stainless steel, can help to create a continuous and neat look within the kitchen project. Also, using built-in ovens rather than freestanding ones, while installing a range in the kitchen island or a kitchen countertop, will help to create a look that is less cluttered. Clutter is one of the biggest issues in a small kitchen space. Anything you can do to create sleek lines that are uncluttered will help to make the kitchen feel bigger and more functional.

 

Kitchen Countertops In Small Kitchens

Countertop space is the number one thing that a seasoned cook looks for, whether it’s a modern luxury kitchen or more traditional style custom kitchen. In a small kitchen, you should make work surfaces anywhere where there aren’t kitchen appliances. One design tip that can really help the small kitchen owner is to design deeper countertops and cabinets, giving you more space to work. Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials, each with their own characteristics when it comes to style and price. On the higher end of the pricing spectrum, granite, marble, and stainless steel have long been kitchen favorites. Laminate is a more budget friendly option, and it is also highly customizable — it comes in a range of colors, making it suitable for many different kitchen spaces.

 

Storage In Small Kitchens

When you are planning the layout of your small kitchen, incorporate as much storage as you can. This may mean really thinking about what needs to be stored and how you can creatively make use of the kitchen space so that you get the most out of it. Planning your storage is important because you may want to store plates and glasses in a kitchen cabinet near the dishwasher, so it is easy to put things away. You may also want to store larger items, such as pans, cookie sheets, and pots, in large slide-out drawers near the stove. Many homeowners also like to create easy storage for sometimes-used appliances such as the toaster and mixer. Another popular idea is adding special storage for loose food items such as onions and potatoes. These are just a couple of considerations, which our Modiani kitchen design team will mention during our complimentary kitchen design consultations, which you can set up anytime by contacting us online or by phone.

Adding new custom kitchen cabinetry including a possible new kitchen layout and design can dramatically alter the look and feel of your home’s interior space. In fact, installing new custom kitchen cabinetry is one of the most popular ways to update the kitchen, and will have an even greater effect in case of using the latest contemporary kitchen cabinetry. While many people will focus on the kitchen style, size, shape, color, and layout of the cabinetry itself — all very important details, of course — it is important not to overlook the hardware that will accompany your new kitchen cabinets. Kitchen hardware has a large impact on how your interior space will look and feel like.

What Is Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

In case you don’t already know, kitchen cabinet hardware is everything but the structure of the cabinetry itself. This means the cabinetry hinges, the finger pulls, the door knobs, and the kitchen handles that make your kitchen drawers and cabinets functional. Functionality isn’t the only purpose that these little pieces serve, though. They also work to lend a great deal of style to your design pieces. You can think of hardware as accessories. As anyone knows, a dramatic necklace, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet can vastly change the way a simple black dress looks. So too, can the kitchen hardware you choose for your kitchen cabinets make a huge difference as to how your new kitchen will look and feel like. Here below are some simple things to keep in mind when you are making decisions about your cabinetry hardware.

Think About Style

Do you prefer kitchen pulls, knobs or none at all? Kitchen knobs are small and circular – like a tiny doorknob – whereas kitchen pulls are larger and often seen as more dramatic. Both opening mechanisms can typically be found in a more transitional or even traditional style kitchen. Once you decide whether you would like pulls or knobs, start thinking about the finish you would like the best. What will complement your kitchen cabinets and will bridge the gap between the cabinets and the rest of the room the best? Or would your kitchen look best if you didn’t use any at all? Especially today’s modern kitchens often sacrifice any type of kitchen handles to create a clean, minimalistic contemporary look.

Know Your Figures

Be aware of exactly how many pieces you are going to need. Remember, kitchen hardware adds up – you are going to need a lot of whatever you choose. It may be a good idea to know your figures when you are going over your kitchen hardware options, so that you aren’t surprised when the bill comes at the end. It is also important to understand how many hinges you will need, based on the weight and height of your custom kitchen cabinet doors and other factors, in order for them to operate functionally. Most kitchen cabinet doors are under fifty inches high and therefore only require two hinges. Some doors, though, are larger and will need more hinges in order to support the weight of the door, or you may decide to have three hinges installed to make your cabinetry more durable and open more easily. Keep in mind that you want everything in your kitchen to work smoothly, so it is important to be aware of what you really need in order to make the best and most sustainable decisions.

Strength in Numbers

When you visit a selection of kitchen showrooms, like our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ to find out more about kitchen hardware, keep in mind you may be looking at one or two knobs or a few hinges at a time. Be aware though, that when the kitchen hardware is in your kitchen, it will be used everywhere. Almost every piece of your new kitchen design is going to rely on these essential pieces to make your custom kitchen functional. Keep in mind that with the frequency these pieces are going to be used, their look really will define how your kitchen cabinets look and function both short- and long-term. Rest assured that our high-end kitchen showroom in NJ only uses the best and most durable kitchen hardware. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions regarding kitchen hardware our your kitchen redesign project overall. We look forward to hearing from you!

In today’s day and age, the kitchen is more than where mom spends time prepping dinner. Instead, the luxury kitchen is a space where everyone comes together. The kitchen is often used for cooking as well as dining. Additionally, family members will often use the kitchen as a place to do homework or spend time on computers or tablets. The kitchen is also the space where guests often gather before a dinner party, mingling with the host and enjoying the process of watching the food be prepared.

If your kitchen is outdated, there are several different ways that you can work toward making the kitchen the heart of your home.

Countertops

Countertops are a very important part of the kitchen. They provide the workspace for the chef, and they largely dictate the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Popular natural countertop materials include granite, slate, marble, soapstone, and man-made materials including laminate.

Cabinets

Aside from countertops, the custom kitchen cabinets you choose for your kitchen is hugely important in defining the overall character of the space. Depending on what type of cabinets you install, the cabinets may actually be the thing that takes up the most wall space in the kitchen. Therefore, it’s important to approach cabinets with an eye for style. The cabinets will define the overall style of your entire kitchen. Do you want traditional? Modern? Sleek? Intricate? Dark? Light? American? European Style Kitchen Cabinets? Knowing what you want the overall kitchen to feel like will help you to best decide what type of cabinets to work into the space.

Appliances

Although we use the kitchen for a wide range of activities, the most important thing that we do in the kitchen is still cooking. It’s important to have updated appliances in the kitchen. Modern appliances are energy efficient and have features that will work for you. If your kitchen needs a quick update, installing new appliances are a great way to quickly bring the quality of your kitchen up.

Layout

When you are designing a high-end kitchen remodel, think about what types of things that you and your family use the kitchen for most, and let yourself embrace features that will serve what you need. Does your family like to grab a quick breakfast in the kitchen, but you all tend to prefer having dinner in the formal dining room? If so, a breakfast nook may be an appropriate addition to your space. If you do a lot of work on the computer in the kitchen, having an area that’s safely away from where food prep occurs (particularly where liquids may be involved) where the computer can be set up is a great idea. Another modern idea for the kitchen is to include a special charging station for small electronics.

Customize

In addition to the kitchen layout, there are several ways that you can customize the kitchen so that it works best for you. Custom cabinet and drawer solutions include special spice racks in a drawer for easy browsing, particular heights for cabinets that are better for the short chef, and special storing stations for loose items such as potatoes and onions

It may surprise many that in some cases, smaller kitchens can almost be more efficient than larger ones. The key to efficiency in the luxury kitchen is ergonomics. The chef needs to have ready access to a workspace, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stovetop. In a kitchen that has a lot of square footage but has everything situated along the perimeter of the room, efficient moving between the important spots of the kitchen may be a challenge.

Large kitchens pose a problem. Sure, there’s a lot of space, but is it being used? One solution that is very popularly introduced into the large kitchen space is the kitchen island. A kitchen island is a multifunctional addition to the kitchen. Its many purposes include:

A Prep Space

A modern or traditional kitchen island is essentially additional counter space in the kitchen, which is music to the serious chef’s ears. Islands provide a great flat space for food prep. Kitchen islands are often deeper than kitchen counters themselves, meaning that the chef has a wide, great space to use for his or her prep.

A Cooking Space

Many modern luxury kitchen designers work a range top into the island itself, giving the chef either an additional cook space (if another range top exists along the perimeter of the kitchen) or at the very least, a cooking space that is central to the room. A range top in the island is a favorite for serious cooks since it allows ready access to all of the other important parts of the kitchen.

A Breakfast Bar

Many families have a formal dining table for big dinners but prefer somewhere small and easy to eat quick meals such as breakfast or lunch. The island, when coupled with some tall stools, is a perfect place to sit and have a cup of coffee, eat breakfast, or have a sandwich. Many families see this is as one of the biggest benefits to having a traditional or modern island in the kitchen.

A Work Space

As computers get smaller and telecommuting becomes more popular, more and more people are working from home – either full time or from time to time. The island is a perfect area to catch up on some work or to let the kids do their homework. For many families, the kitchen is the epicenter of the home where everyone gathers, particularly at the end of the work and school day. The kitchen island gives family members a place to be in the presence of one another while still getting their work done.

Additional Storage

Cabinet space is important real estate in the kitchen. The island provides an opportunity for additional cabinet space, which can be installed beneath the countertop area itself. If there is a stove top range on the island, the island storage may be the perfect place to keep pots and pans, since they’ll be used the most right there on the island. Other ideas include storing small appliances that aren’t used all the time, such as the toaster or the mixer, beneath the island so that they are out of the way

Updating or replacing kitchen cabinets is an effective way to give any kitchen a facelift. However, there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made when it comes to your new kitchen cabinets.

Totally New, or a New Face?

Do you need totally new custom kitchen cabinets, or would simply updating the doors and fronts of drawers do? There are two ways to update your cabinets without actually getting new cabinets. The first is refacing the cabinets, which means taking the doors off, taking the fronts of the drawers off, and replacing them with new materials. For many people who like the structure and layout of their cabinets, this is a good way to quickly achieve a new look in the kitchen without actually having to do any demolition.

Another way to give your cabinets an updated look quickly is to paint or refinish the cabinets. In this approach, of course, the shape and overall look of the cabinets are retained, but they’re given a new cosmetic look. This is a great option if it’s just a matter of having dark and wanting light or vice versa.

Custom or Stock?

If you decide to get new cabinets, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll get custom cabinetry or stock cabinetry. Custom cabinetry is built to your specifications, so if you have a kitchen that doesn’t have average measurements, custom may be the way to go. Custom cabinets are also good if you have plenty of qualities you want present in the cabinets that may not be standard, such as special features that relate to your cooking. Stock cabinetry is cabinetry that you buy at the store that is built to common specifications. Stock cabinetry will work in most kitchens, but it is not custom-built to your specs, so your kitchen has to be the right shape and size for this to work. In terms of budget, stock is more affordable than custom.

Style

What type of style are you looking to achieve in the kitchen? Cabinets are one of the most overwhelming visual aspects of a kitchen, so it’s important to remember that the cabinets you choose will largely determine the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Do want a modern and sleek European kitchen? Or warm and traditional cabinets? Knowing what you want to go for in the kitchen and in the rest of the home will help you make the best decisions when picking out the style of your new cabinets.

Hardware

The hardware you choose for your cabinets will also work to determine the overall look and feel of the kitchen. What types of pulls do you want? What types of knobs, handles, and finishes? It’s important to create a look that is seamless in the kitchen, so choosing ultra modern cabinets and traditional hardware might be a no-no. If you have questions about what types of hardware would pair best with a particular set of cabinets, consult a designer at the kitchen showroom you’re shopping at. They should be able to help.

As many homeowners have learned the hard way, a kitchen remodel is very difficult if you don’t have a professional kitchen designer on your side. Kitchen designers offer a great deal of value to the kitchen remodeling process via their expertise, their know-how, and their visions as designers and artists.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, it’s in your best interest to make sure you have a qualified kitchen designer working on the project. As you begin your search for the perfect kitchen designer, consider these tips.

Resources

If you are just beginning the search for a high-end kitchen designer, you may want to visit NKBA.org, which is the official website of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The NKBA can help you find a qualified kitchen designer in your area. You may also want to check in with friends, family members, and neighbors who have recently had work done on their homes. Personal references are a great way to discover a trustworthy designer whose work you can see with your own eyes before working together.

Do Your Homework

Getting a list of names is great, but you can’t really tell much from a name. Once you have a list of designers you’d like to consider working with, do your homework. Check references and make sure that you understand the information that you’re reading about each kitchen designer. For example, there are several professional certifications that a kitchen designer might have. NKBA certifications, for example, are given based on experience. In order to be considered a Certified Kitchen Designer by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a designer needs to have seven years of experience under his or her belt.

Meet Candidates

You will want to interview each kitchen designer that you’re considering working with so that you can get an idea of his or her professionalism, expertise, artistic vision, and personality. Though the first three qualities might seem to be the most important, personality is a big one, too. You want to make sure that you’re working with someone who you feel comfortable enough with that you’re able to express what you want clearly. When you do express yourself, you want to be sure you’ll be heard.

Designers should be able to show you several examples of their work, and they should also be willing to discuss your individual design with you. Professional kitchen designers have a lot to offer by way of their experience, and in your initial meeting, it’s likely that they’ll bring up a few things that you hadn’t yet thought of or that you don’t know much about. Let yourself learn from your kitchen designer and be open to asking questions when they come up for you.

 

Determine Terms

Once you’ve decided that a particular kitchen designer is a good fit for you and for your project, work out the terms of the work with the designer and his or her company. Be very clear about what is being provided to you and at what cost. It’s important to have a solid agreement worked out before any work begins on the project.

Are you considering redesigning your kitchen in NJ or NYC? Although it’s easy to get drawn into the style and decor that you’ll embrace in your kitchen, there are a few important technical aspects of the space that it’s important you consider in your redesign, too.

Foot Traffic

If your luxury kitchen is anything like most busy kitchens in the United States, your family members will come and go through the space an awful lot. Pay close attention to how the entrances and exits to the space are situated. Is there a way for someone to pass through the space? Also, pay attention to how you get to the kitchen from the outdoors. You’ll frequently need to access the kitchen with groceries. Is it close to the garage? Can you park relatively close to the kitchen and unload your packages with ease?

Work Flow

The concept of the “work triangle” was created in the study of kitchen design. The work triangle refers to the common paths a cook takes while preparing meals in the kitchen. The three major points of this triangle are the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator. The cook must not only have easy access to each of these points, but he or she must be able to move freely between them.

The key to working with the work triangle is to make sure that the space between these areas is ample enough that the cook doesn’t feel cramped, but close enough that traveling between these areas doesn’t cause a hiccup in the cook’s workflow.

The work triangle works in three basic kitchen setups:

• U-Shape
• L shape
• Galley

There are additional spacing features to consider. For example, the refrigerator needs to have enough room to swing open fully. The refrigerator should also have a countertop next to it so that if someone is preparing something to go in the refrigerator or if someone has just taken something out of the refrigerator, there is enough room to do so comfortably without having to travel much.

Storage

A major function of the kitchen, in addition to providing an area to prepare meals, is to provide ample storage for all of the dishes, glasses, and cookware that the family uses. Here are some tips for how to organize your storage:

Glasses:
Store glasses near the sink so that if someone wants to grab a glass of water, they can do so easily.

Silverware:
Store silverware near the dishwasher so it can be put away easily. However, keeping silverware outside the work triangle is a good idea. This way, if someone is preparing a meal and asks another family member to set the table, the two can complete their tasks without interrupting one another.

Pantry Items:
Storing foods directly over the cooktop can affect their quality since those custom kitchen cabinets will often heat up inadvertently during the cooking process. Instead of storing food there, it’s a good idea to have a separate pantry where dried goods are kept.

Home improvement and luxury kitchen projects have been gaining popularity for several years, particularly as the real estate market has suffered and many homeowners have been looking at ways to improve their current home rather than think about buying another. What’s top on the list of high-end kitchen remodels by homeowners in the United States? You guessed it! The kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most popular spaces within the home to remodel.

One of the reasons that the kitchen may be one of the most popular remodeling projects that homeowners tackle may be that homeowners have a wide range of reasons for taking on a kitchen remodel. Some popular reasons for remodeling the kitchen include:

• To update appliances
• To update countertops and cabinetry
• To change the layout of the kitchen to increase functionality
• For style
• To make a better or new use out of part or all of the kitchen

With so many reasons one might want to remodel the kitchen, it makes sense that this is one of the most popular projects that homeowners will be tackling in 2019. It’s so popular, in fact, that the website houzz.com, which is a kitchen design website, recently conducted a survey of over 7500 homeowners about what they’d like to do in their kitchen remodels. The results are in, and the trends that are emerging are:

Professional-Grade Equipment

Many homeowners responded that at the top of their wish list is professional-grade appliances such as chef’s stoves. With trends like gourmet cooking circulating via Pinterest and programming on networks like The Food Network, many homeowners think of the kitchen as more than a place to cook a casual meal. Homeowners want access to the best of the best.

Stainless Steel

Sticking with the professional kitchen at home trend, stainless steel had a big impact on houzz.com’s survey. Over 65% of responders said that they’d love stainless steel appliances in their kitchen. However, homeowners aren’t going so industrial that you might mistake their home kitchens for a restaurant kitchen. Although stainless steel is being embraced, it’s often coupled with wood and other colors via the cabinets and walls of the kitchen.

Bright and White

Though some trend predictors are forecasting big, bold colors making their way into the kitchen in 2019, houzz.com’s survey showed that many homeowners are staying true to their neutral roots. Neutral color schemes have long been popular in kitchens, and it looks like this is a trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Nature for Nurture

Many homeowners like the trend of bringing natural and green materials into their food-prep areas. This means that wood is finding its way into countertops, cabinets, and flooring more than ever before. Eco-friendly materials are also big on the wish lists of homeowners who are getting ready to remodel. When it comes to being eco-friendly, surface materials are not the only way in. Appliances being energy efficient or, even better, Energy Star rated, is a big must on many homeowners’ lists.

Ah, the kitchen. It’s the center of the home. The kitchen is where meals are prepared, where the kids hang out after school — doing their homework or otherwise — and it’s where meals are shared. Often, when guests come to the home, it’s the kitchen they mingle in – despite how beautiful you made the living room. There is just something about the kitchen.

It’s no wonder, then, that a remodeled kitchen can do wonders for the value of your home. It can also vastly enhance the quality of life while you live in the home. So, really, it’s a win-win. Below, we offer advice on some of the best things you can do in your kitchen remodel.

1) Workspace is Key

Does your kitchen have enough counter space for the cook to prepare meals comfortably? When preparing a meal for a whole family or guests, the cook often needs several different surfaces so that he or she can be prepping different aspects of the meal simultaneously. Make sure that your counter tops are ample and that they’re laid out in the most ergonomically sound way possible.

2) Layout

Speaking of ergonomics, in addition to the countertops, how is the layout of the kitchen overall? A well-planned kitchen gives the cook easy access to the “kitchen triangle”: the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. The sink should be accessible from all locations – counters, refrigerator, and stove.

3) Make the Best Use of the Space

If you’re thinking about installing a traditional or modern island in the kitchen, it’s important to be aware of the dimensions you’ll create by doing so. In order to maintain a good work flow in the kitchen, your island should allow for forty-two to forty-eight inches around all sides. If the kitchen is less than thirteen feet wide, an island might not be the most useful addition to it. Make sure to take measurements and to be realistic about how big the island will be and how much space there will be around it.

4) Lighting

The kitchen isn’t a space that needs just one type of lighting. Instead, you’ll want to design in several different types of lighting within the kitchen:

• Task lighting
•  Accent lighting
•  Overall lighting

You should also work to embrace any natural light that you can for the daytime hours. Natural light in the kitchen is a great way to make the most use of the space.

5) Budget, Budget, Budget!

The most important thing you can do when planning a kitchen remodel is to be keenly aware of your budget and to make sure that you’re making decisions that will keep you within that budget. Appliances, countertops, and other fixtures can add up. A kitchen remodel is likely within reach, but you need to be smart about how much you’re spending and what you’re spending on. The worst case scenario is to be halfway through a kitchen remodel and to run out of funds. The remodeling process is intense enough without there bring surprises involved when it comes to money.

Modern and contemporary kitchen designs are increasingly embracing open kitchen plans, and our Modiani kitchen design team in Englewood, NJ is happy to tell you more about this trendy, innovative kitchen concept in this blog post here. Whereas at one time it was popular to have a kitchen that was separate from the dining area, today’s open kitchen plans offer one cohesive space for food preparation, dining and socializing. Depending on the architecture of the home, an open kitchen plan can also create seamless transitions between the kitchen, dining, living, and recreation areas of the home.

 

Creation Of Open Kitchen Designs

The creation of a visually pleasing, workable open kitchen plan requires one to focus on both foot traffic patterns and flooring plans. To achieve this, homeowners and kitchen designers must first analyze the typical flow of the kitchen. How do the people that live within the home interact with the kitchen space? It helps to observe typical current behaviors. It also helps to create diagrams of the kitchen and to map out all of the various ways that people may enter, exit, and pass through their traditional, transitional or contemporary kitchen. All doors and entryways must be noted, and all patterns should be considered. Questions to ask oneself could include, is there enough room between the kitchen counters to pass easily? Are there sharp turns? Are there places in the kitchen where a blind spot might be created, increasing the likelihood of collisions? Considering all of these elements helps with the creation of a floor plan that will work long term.

 

Kitchen View Design Considerations

In kitchen design, there is an element referred to as ‘creating views’. This essentially refers to the windows and doors in the kitchen that allow for a ‘view’ of the outdoors to be created. The presence of the outdoors in the kitchen is actually very important – it creates texture in the space and opens up the room visually. Views, therefore, are placed very deliberately and are created using a vision for how the kitchen and interior space will be used. Ask yourself, can the outdoors be viewed from where one would stand to prepare food? Are the outdoors visible from the dining table? Visuals of outdoors will vastly impact the emotion of the room, and therefore it is important to consider their placement prior to getting started with the kitchen renovation and design project.

 

Flooring Within Open Kitchens

Although often a breakfast nook or a wall defines the parameters of an American or European style kitchen space, this is not necessarily the case in an open kitchen design. In many open kitchens, flooring is instead used to establish various spaces within the larger space. The varying floor material is particularly useful in a long, corridor-like space. Wood in one area and carpet in another area is one way to achieve this. Alternating tile and polished concrete could also look nice and create a stunning design within the interiors. Rather than creating a structure that takes up airspace within the kitchen, using alternating floor patterns can promote cohesiveness between spaces. Our Modiani kitchen design team can tell you more and give you inspiring tips for your individual custom kitchen.

 

Interaction within Open Floor Plan Kitchens

By considering the foot traffic of the space, how people will be interacting with the space, what views exist, and how the flooring breaks up the space, a workable open floor plan is created. Space between kitchen appliances and how the visual design of the kitchen affects the homeowner’s experience are very important elements when considering such a design. Ultimately, you want a space that is open, functional, and comfortable within the home. Contact our Modiani Kitchen team if you are planning to renovate your kitchen and are in need of some valuable tips or inspiration, so to make your open floor plan kitchen dream become reality.

Modiani Kitchens is proud to be one of the main sponsors of the annual Englewood Toy Drive. This charity event runs every year from end of November until mid-December to support families in need in Englewood, NJ. The idea is to collect unused books and toys for families, who may not be able to afford gifts for their children during the holiday season.

If you are a family in need and based in Englewood, NJ, you can register here until mid-December. In 2018, the deadline to register for the Englewood Toy Drive is Monday, December 17, 2018. Please note that you need to be an Englewood resident and that your children need to be between 0 and 17 years old in order for you to qualify.

If you wish to donate unused toys and books, feel free to stop by at our Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Englewood, NJ, since Modiani is one of the main drop-off locations for the annual Englewood Toy Drive. This year, you can drop off presents until Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Please make sure that they are new and unwrapped, so they can be donated considering the specific needs of the selected families in need.

 

ENGLEWOOD TOY DRIVE OVERVIEW:

Dates: November 28, 2018 – December 18, 2018

Register Here: Englewood Toy Drive Registration Link

Englewood Toy Drive Drop-Off Location: Modiani Kitchens, 46 South Dean Street, Englewood, NJ (amongst other Toy Drive drop-off locations)

Gifts: Toys, books or gift cards (new and unwrapped)

 

We would like to thank all volunteers, including the members of the Englewood Fire and Police Department and the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, who make the annual Englewood Toy Drive happen. With their help, it is possible to organize such a social initiative, which involves many hours of organizing the Toy Drive, collecting toys, selecting the beneficiaries, wrapping the gifts and delivering them to the chosen families.

This special event was put in place in 2005, and has helped numerous local families since. We noticed that the number of families in need are constantly increasing in Englewood, Bergen County, which explains why over 350 families received toys and books last year. The receiving families are selected based on their needs, and Modiani Kitchens is pleased to support these families, who would otherwise not be able to give their children gifts during the holiday season.

We would also like to thank all New Jersey residents, who make the Englewood Annual Toy Drive possible every single year! Please spread the word about this important annual charity event, and don’t forget to drop off a toy, book or gift card at our Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Downtown Englewood, NJ!

 

For most families and households in NJ, the kitchen space is one of the most important parts of their home. It is where meals are being served, where the family gathers before and after school/work, and it is often also where the children’s homework is being done. With so many roles to play, it is no wonder that the kitchen is one of the most focused upon rooms in any home. When it comes to home renovation, a custom kitchen is often the first area that a family will decide to remodel or update. A new kitchen can add a lot to the quality of life within a home, and it can also add value to the property value overall in case you are planning to move homes anytime in the not too distant future.

So, what should you consider before starting the kitchen redesign for your NJ home? Below are some tips.

Kitchen Project Scope

Be realistic about your expectations with regards to your kitchen renovation project. Do you want to redesign your kitchen cabinets, or are you hoping to renovate the entire interior space? Depending on how intensive the project is you want to take on, the cost, time, and impact to your home may be very different. It is important that you understand the impact the kitchen design project will have on your life prior to getting started with it since without having a clear vision of what you would like to get done, you probably won’t be able to do so.

Advantages of a Kitchen Designer

Many people start out assuming they will do work within the home themselves, but then once they really think about how much they want to have done, they realize that it is much more realistic to work with a professional kitchen designer who specializes in the custom design of kitchen cabinetry.  Evaluate what you want to have done and feel free to do a brainstorming before bringing in a professional kitchen designer, like Modiani Kitchens.

Kitchen Redesign Decisions

When considering a kitchen update, there are many decisions to be made. What style do you want your cabinets in, do you prefer modern looking kitchen cabinets or a more traditional style kitchen? Do you want a new kitchen and countertop layout, or are you happy with the current one? How much money and time do you want to invest in your kitchen remodel project? Our kitchen design team is happy to assist you with your kitchen redesign project if you are looking to renovate your whole kitchen, which generally has a huge impact on your kitchen space and overall interior design.

What is the extent of the renovation?

The truth is, renovating any area of the home including the kitchen can be a fairly big undertaking. Be sure that you are prepared in terms of the total cost of your kitchen renovation and the time frame of your kitchen design process, which usually takes a couple of months from the initial meeting with a kitchen designer to the order, delivery and installation of your custom kitchen? A kitchen remodel can be very worth it by way of improving your use of the room and adding value to the home, but you really need to be clear with yourself about what is possible for you. Here is where we at Modiani Kitchens come in – feel free to contact us anytime regarding your custom kitchen redesign project.

A-Frame: an a-frame is framework shaped like an “A” that is used to transport countertops on a truck.

Accents: a decorative element that is added for detail

Apron Front Sink: A large sink that has an apron on the front. This type of sink sits in a short cabinet.

Backsplash: Tiles or another waterproof material that offers a guard between water and other liquids and the wall of a kitchen. Typically situated over the countertop.

Bugholes: small holes within the concrete that were created by trapped air in the concrete

Bullnosing: When a finished edge is added to a man-made or unfinished tile, it is called “bullnosing”. This process is done for cosmetic reasons but it also protects the edge from chipping or cracking.

C-Clamps: A C-clamp holds an object into place while it is being sawed or joined.

Cabinet Scraper: A rectangular piece of steel that has been rounded into a hook. It is used to remove shavings and to bring the finish to a high gloss without damaging the wood of a kitchen cabinet.

Cabinetmaker’s Screwdriver: A tool used by cabinet makers and American as well as European kitchen designers that has a wood handle and a blade specifically designed for wood screws.

Caesarstone: a man-made stone that is considered extremely durable due to its scratch and stain resistance. It is harder than natural stone.

Carpenter’s Glue: Glue that is used to bond wooden objects to one another. Heat and moisture resistant.

Casting Table: A table that has been designed for casting concrete.

Cooktop: Stove burners that are situated within a countertop.

Drain Board: Depressions that are worked into a countertop to allow water to drain from the countertop into the sink.

Drop-In Sink: A sink that has a rim that goes over the countertop.

Formica Stone: A nonporous quartz surface that is natural and has low maintenance needs.

Granite: A durable countertop material that uses natural rock. Considered elegant due to its price and appearance.

Grout: A paste of cement that is used to fill in bug holes.

Integral Sink: A sink that is made out of the same materials that the countertop is constructed of, and is an invaluable addition to a luxury kitchen.

Marble: A natural stone that is both rare and expensive. Often used in countertops.

Melamine: A smooth plastic that covers a particle board interior. Often used on countertops. Considered inexpensive.

Post-Form: When the laminate is fitted around a pre-shaped substrate in order to form a countertop, the process of doing so is referred to as “post-form”.

Pyrolave: Enameled lava rock that is used as a countertop material.

Quartz: A countertop material that is made of rock. It requires very little maintenance.

Undermount Sink: A sink that is situated beneath a countertop.

Urethane: A type of sealer that provides temperature, weather, and scratch resistance.

Wax: Can be used to protect countertops temporarily.

Wet Polishing: A method for polishing concrete countertops that uses water throughout the process so as to eliminate dust.

Wooden Countertops: Also referred to as a butcher block, a countertop surface that is made out of wood. You can read more about countertops in our high-end kitchen blog.

Kitchen remodeling or updating is one of the most common – and effective – ways to breathe some new life into a home. The most common forms of kitchen updating are replacing, resurfacing, or refinishing the luxury kitchen cabinets, and replacing or updating the countertops. For most homeowners, either of these projects will require bringing in contractors to get the job done. However, if you haven’t worked with contractors in a while or if this will be your first time hiring contractors, it’s a good idea to brush up on the do’s and don’ts of the process.

Do: Ask Questions Upfront

Many people think that simply refinishing cabinets shouldn’t cause much of a hiccup in their daily life, and often, it won’t. However, depending on the type of job and the work that’s required, your contractors may need to use noxious chemicals and loud tools, and there may be a lot of banging. Before you jump head first into a kitchen remodeling project, talk candidly with your contractor and ask him or her to explain what you should expect. If there are going to be days where bad smells and loud noises are going to be created, you may want to plan to be out of the house on those days. Understanding what’s ahead will help you best plan for how to act during the remodel.

Don’t: Assume Your Contractor Can Read Your Mind

Communication is key in any scenario where one person is completing work for another. When it comes to your home, chances are that you have a very specific vision for what you’d like to see and that you’re very emotionally attached to a positive outcome with the project. Communicating openly with your contractor about what you hope to see as an outcome will help him or her to best achieve results that are in line with your vision.

Do: Be Hospitable

Yes, your contractor works for you. But as someone who has been invited into your home and is responsible for the positive changes you’d like to see happen in your home, although you’re paying your contractor, you should in some ways treat him or her like a bit of a guest. After all, he or she is a guest in your home. Letting him or her know where the bathroom is and providing soft drinks or snacks for your contractor is a nice way to say that you appreciate the hard work that he or she is doing.

Don’t: Be Too Stringent

Your contractor will be, hopefully, a true professional who arrives with his or her own tools and who is very self-sufficient. However, if your contractor needs something simple — a sludge hammer, a washcloth, a drop cloth for the furniture — be open and willing to help when you can. Being difficult will just cause stress between you and your contractor, and it’s unnecessary.

Do: Be Prepared to Accommodate the Work

Our kitchen remodels in NJ don’t take over your entire home, but they do take over a part of your home. Before your project begins, understand that you may need to acclimate and not use the kitchen when you would typically use it while construction is happening.

As anyone who’s ever worked with the wrong contractor can attest, finding the right contractor for your high-end kitchen remodeling project may be the most important aspect of the entire process. A good contractor will see your project through from start to finish, will help you determine and stick with your budget, and will bring unparalleled expertise to the table.

When you begin the process of looking for a kitchen designer if it relates to your own private home or contractors if you are involved in bigger remodeling projects, it’s a great idea to ask family and friends for referrals. You should look for someone that a friend or family member has had a good work experience with, as you can trust the opinion of people close to you and the chances that the contractor will also do a good job for you are very high. If you don’t know anyone who has recently worked with someone on a home renovation project, you can also search online for reputable contractors in your area.

With a list of candidates in hand, you should settle in to do some initial homework regarding your prospective contractors. For each contractor, check which certification she or she holds, which licenses and in which states, and which professional associations the contractor belongs to. If you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of how contractors and kitchen designers are classified, it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) and the NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders). These two associations certify contractors based on their levels of experience and certifications. Different certifications are granted based on different qualifications, so learning about certifications and how one obtains them can be a great asset to you as you search for the right contractor.

Chances are that after asking for referrals and doing your research, you’re going to have it narrowed down to a few candidates. Become familiar with our luxury kitchen portfolio to find out which kitchen style works best for you. At this point, it’s time to meet each candidate and get a sense of his or her professional attitude, past work, and report to you and your family. Most experts say that you should interview more than one candidate, but not more than three. If you interview too many, you might lose sight of the individual qualities of each. Interviewing two or three candidates gives you enough experience that you have some comparisons, but not so much that you’re swimming in candidates.

If you hit it off with one particular contractor or kitchen designer and you think that he or she would be perfect for the job at hand, you should ask him or her for professional references and online kitchen reviews, and you should check them. If a contractor is unwilling to give you references, walk away. You’re trusting the contractor with a big job in your home. You need someone professional who has other people who are willing to speak to his or her professionalism. Once the references are checked, you’re ready to move forward with everything. Get an agreement in writing with the contractor you decide to work with. Understand exactly what your expectations of the contractor are and what his or her expectations are for the job. Transparency and clarity are the keys to a successful working relationship.

Are you considering to redesign your kitchen, and are you thinking of hiring a professional kitchen designer to do so? If so, here a few great and tried kitchen design tips for your very own custom kitchen design.

Embrace Personality

The kitchen is, for many homeowners, is the heart of the home and the place where all operations take place. It is where the family comes together, where guests mingle before a dinner party, where food is prepared, and where homework is being completed. Given the many functions that the kitchen is tasked with, it makes sense to design a kitchen that is warm and inviting and that has some personality.

Size Doesn’t (Always) Matter

Many people assume that bigger is better when it comes to a custom kitchen, but this isn’t necessarily true. The most important thing about a kitchen is probably the kitchen layout. You want to place elements in the kitchen so that work is easy to accomplish within in. A small kitchen can be an ergonomically functional kitchen so long as the design is well-planned.

Height Helps

Particularly in smaller kitchen spaces, allowing cabinets to extend up to the ceiling can give off the appearance that the room is bigger than it actually is. Allowing kitchen cabinetry to extend upwards also has the added benefit of giving you more room for storage, which can be a huge benefit, in a small kitchen in particular.

Space Within Your Kitchen

On the other hand, try not to put as much storage in the kitchen that everywhere you look is another storage space. You want some room and space to breathe, both visually and literally, in your custom kitchen design. Leaving some areas unadorned will allow for a more open feeling in the interior and kitchen space overall and will help you to feel less cluttered or encumbered when you are working in the kitchen area.

Sometimes, Simplicity Speaks

Though not everyone loves the look of a stark modern kitchen design, too many design details can cause an overload to the senses. If you are embracing a more detail-oriented traditional style kitchen, still air on the side of caution when it comes to infusing the kitchen with too much to look at. Using common color themes and materials can help to lessen the blow of overwhelm on the eyes. It is possible to infuse the kitchen with a great deal of detail without overwhelming the eye — it is just a matter of knowing when to hold back and when to add just a little bit more.

It Is Okay To Conceal Kitchen Appliances

You can use kitchen cabinetry to cover up some of the more “kitcheny” aspects of your kitchen. Adding paneling to a refrigerator to conceal its appearance, for example, can give the kitchen a look that is overall more homey and warm. Though many people think that stainless steel is the way to go for all kitchen appliances, hiding them behind some wood can actually do a great deal to warm the room up. Too much stainless steel can, if done improperly, give off too sterile an appearance, which isn’t necessarily appropriate for every type of room.

Quality Matters

When you are choosing your custom kitchen cabinetry, embrace solid, good construction kitchen cabinets. Not only will they last longer, but they will give your kitchen an appearance of richness and longevity. If you need more design tips for your custom kitchen design or would like to benefit from a complimentary in-showroom kitchen consultation, feel free to reach out to our kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ or Greenwich, CT anytime.

Traditional kitchens, which are typically constructed with natural materials and embrace a warm color scheme, have always been very popular in the United States. Some people confuse traditional kitchens with country or “Old World” styles, but in truth, traditional kitchen design means the use of warm colors, natural elements, and intricate design. Traditional kitchens tend to be eclectic. They may include hand-carved wood trim, designs such as fruits or butterflies, and muted colored tiles.

How can you achieve the traditional design in your kitchen? Below are a few tips for infusing your kitchen with traditional style.

Furniture

Period style furniture is going to boost the look of a traditional luxury kitchen in the most spot-on way. Modern pieces or pieces that have no period style look to them will take away from the overall traditional feel of the kitchen, so rather than using those types of pieces, get a few period pieces that you really admire. You can even make an unadorned piece feel more traditional by adding period-style molding around the border.

Flooring

Many of our traditional high-end kitchen projects and designs include a pattern in the flooring, even when the flooring is made of wood. Some design ideas might include:

• Basket weave for wood flooring
• Random pattern for wood flooring
• Embracing irregular shapes in natural stone flooring
• Creating an irregular pattern with natural stone flooring

Seating Area

You’re going to want to embrace warm and natural elements in your seating area. For a truly traditional look, try a corner nook instead of a freestanding table. Add warm patterned fabric to benches to place around the table. In the fabric, you’re going to want to embrace the key elements of traditional luxury design – bringing the warmth of nature and tradition in.

Accessorize

Use the knobs and handles of your cabinets and doors to enhance the traditional style of the room. Intricately designed knobs and handles that match the overall period feel of the room can create focal points for the kitchen.

Embrace Detail

In the molding around the room, on the cabinets, on the legs of furniture, and in your hardware such as faucets and light fixtures, make sure you’re embracing detailed design. The most defining characteristic of traditional design is its embrace of intricacy. You have a lot of opportunities to infuse the kitchen with this quality – use each one to the best of its ability.

Color

Traditional design tends to embrace a soft color palette such as:

• Cream
• Taupe
• White
• Light Gray
• Grey

The hues of these colors could be described as “muted”. Traditional design shies away from anything that could be considered stark or bold.

Windows

The goal of a traditional design is to create a feeling in the luxury kitchen space that is very homey and comforting. Windows help this by providing light and, if possible, a seating area. A bay window is a perfect addition to a traditional kitchen design. It offers another opportunity to incorporate patterns through fabric, and it’s a really defining element of classic traditional design.

The material you choose to use for your kitchen flooring can have a big impact on the overall feel of your room. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different options available for use for your kitchen floors. This article reviews the most common material choices for kitchen flooring and outlines the characteristics of each.

Wood Options

Pine
Pine flooring is a beautiful option in a classically designed luxury kitchen that features cherry wood cabinetry. Pine flooring is typically light in color, though it can be stained to be darker. Light staining on pine flooring creates a golden glow in a space that is particularly beautiful for traditional construction homes.

Bamboo
Bamboo is a plant that is known for its quick growth. As a result, it’s considered fairly abundant in the natural world. Therefore, using bamboo flooring is a very green option. Similar to pine, bamboo offers a natural glow that creates a great deal of warmth in the kitchen space.

Walnut
Walnut is on the softer side of woods that are used in the kitchen, and therefore it’s not as durable as one might desire for a high-traffic kitchen area. However, it’s a very stylish choice, particularly for modern kitchens. Due to its coloring, which is darker than pine, it’s often used in contemporary kitchens that need to blend with a more traditional home.

Maple
Maple has a rustic, natural look that’s great for many traditional high-end kitchens. It pairs easily with other woods.

Wide-Plank
Made in a variety of woods, wide-plank or colonial flooring gives a really interesting look to a kitchen. Used more in traditional design than contemporary, wide plank wood flooring features knots and graining in the wood, creating a really natural feel.

Tile and Stone Options

Tiling:

Ceramic
Ceramic tiling has long been considered one of the more durable options for kitchen flooring. Ceramic tiles are stain and water resistant. Because they come in a wide range of colors, ceramic tiles are considered one of the most customizable flooring options available for kitchens.

Slate
Slate is a very heavy, very durable material. Therefore, for high-traffic luxury kitchen areas such as in homes with busy families, slate is a preferred option. In addition to being difficult to damage with foot traffic or by dropping something, slate is also resistant to water and staining. Slate tile can also create a great deal of texture in the flooring.

Tumbled Travertine
Considered a rustic material, travertine is a warm and durable material that can either be tumbled, honed, polished or brushed. Tumbled travertine especially is radiant and adds a great deal of warmth to a kitchen.

Other Options

Laminate
Laminate is more affordable than true hard wood but gives off a very similar natural and beautiful look. Laminate is a great choice for high-traffic kitchens that are prone to spills because it’s incredibly easy to maintain.

Concrete
Concrete is extremely durable and is often chosen as an alternative to ceramic tiling. Concrete is moisture and stain resistant. Additionally, because ceramic can be stained, it is considered highly customizable

Stainless steel kitchen designs are becoming increasingly popular amongst our clients in NJ and the wider tri-state area. While steel and metal kitchens were commonly used in commercial kitchens, they are now a popular for commercial and residential kitchen design projects alike. Learn more about kitchens made of stainless steel in this Modiani kitchen blog post here.

Stainless Steel As A Kitchen Trend

Recent trends in kitchen design include using metal and steel as central elements of a modern kitchen design project while not allowing it to overwhelm through the use of steel in an elegant, minimalistic way. Too much steel can make a home’s kitchen feel like a corporate kitchen, which would not be what most families are looking for. Instead, using steel as a component of the overall kitchen design lets the richness of the steel prevail without taking over. Kitchens made of stainless steel are seen by many people today as a standard in quality when it comes to kitchen design. However, although many families want to incorporate steel into their residential kitchen, a full-on steel setup would feel like too much. This is why many of our clients at Modiani Kitchens want to embrace either contemporary or traditional luxury kitchen design while also using stainless steel, keeping a good balance in mind.

Some valuable kitchen design tips for incorporating stainless steel into a custom kitchen design include:

Using Steel Above the Stove

A steel stove hood is a great way to incorporate steel in the kitchen as well as to create a focal point. The combination of a steel hood and a more traditional design can do wonders in terms of creating a rustic country design that still feels sophisticated and modern.

Metal Kitchen Backsplash

The kitchen backsplash is a great way to create a visual focal point in the kitchen, and metal or stainless steel is a perfect material to use as part of the backsplash. Adding this pop of stainless steel again gives a modern, finished look to the kitchen without making the overall space feel industrial or impersonal.

Use Steel Sparingly

Many kitchen designers recommend using stainless steel as one aspect of their clients’ luxury kitchen design, but not as the main one. If the majority of your kitchen appliances are already made of stainless steel, try not to go stainless with the small appliances as well, as it is good to know that the reverse works as well.

Undercutting the Sheen

Stainless steel is a kitchen design material that has a cool sheen to it that many register as industrial. However, mixed inwith other surfaces such as granite, ceramic, or wood, the cold sheen of stainless steel will have less impact. Warm colors and materials do a particularly good job of balancing out the cold effects of stainless steel.

Use Of Wood And Steel

As previously mentioned, wood does wonders to balance out the cooling effects of stainless steel in the kitchen. Wood is popularly used in conjunction with stainless steel, such as in the case of a wooden stove hood over a stainless steel stove. By integrating stainless steel this way but keeping wood at the center of attention, the steel is able to contribute its rich quality without being too overbearing. To learn more about stainless-steel kitchen designs, don’t hesitate to contact our Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Englewood, New Jersey any time.

Are people still remodeling their kitchens just to improve the ability to sell their home within six months to a year? Currently, initiating a kitchen renovation is the best kind of investment for homeowners to choose so that a high rate of return is almost guaranteed. However, surveys sent to homeowners regarding home improvement choices have discovered that more and more families – especially those with two or more children – are opting to invest in a kitchen renovation in New Jersey that suits their needs rather than just for increasing the resale value of their home.

The kitchen is no longer the isolated area seen in old TV shows from the decades ago where the only thing that happened in the kitchen was cooking, eating meals and doing the dishes. Now one of the most occupied and busy places in a home, the luxury kitchen is generally viewed as a place to congregate, socialize, do homework or surf the Internet using WiFi. In general, the kitchen is now a place where anyone can get in anybody’s way who may be trying to cook something in the microwave, wash the dog in the sink or use the kitchen floor as an ersatz hockey rink.

Regarding kitchen renovation, families with several children say that because of their children and the way the kitchen is used as a room to socialize and perform “non-kitchen” activities, they are more likely to employ a professional kitchen architect/designer when remodeling their kitchen. They also assert they would spend more money on improving the functionality and kid-friendliness of their kitchens because it would naturally enhance the overall quality of their lives in the home. Additionally, those families that had experienced a kitchen remodeling project in the past say that if they could do the project over again, they would definitely spend more on the job, especially in the area of making it more accessible to children.

The top concern of families with children under six years old is safety. For families with children between six and 12 years old, they want their kitchen designers to create a place where kids can work or play while parents are cooking meals in the kitchen. Of course, as kids mature and get bigger, homeowners would like kitchen remodeling projects to incorporate more space and fewer safety measures that may take up space since safety would no longer be a number one priority.

To satisfy the desires of families wanting new kitchens, professional kitchen designers are integrating areas apart from the stove so that children can remain safely in the kitchen while a parent cooks. Implementing small, “away” environments for kids to do their homework in the kitchen allows families to avoid isolating in their rooms during the evening hours. Kitchen islands are also great additions for families with children who are big enough to help prepare a meal but need constant supervision. With the ability for a family to gather around an island placed strategically in the middle of the kitchen, everybody’s safety is guaranteed and family time is enhanced as well.

Feng shui is a kind of “energy” science developed in China and believed to be 3000 years old that asserts the existence of positive and negative energy forms. In particular, Feng shui emphasizes the way space is used in regards to placement of furniture and other items. Based on Taoist philosophies, Feng shui also focuses on the binding energy of nature, or Chi, that is responsible for good physical and emotional health.

People who stand by the efficacy of Feng shui decorate their high-end kitchens in accordance with its principles. Some of these principles include:

Since the cook is considered the main player in the kitchen, he or she should always be viewed from an authoritarian position while using the stove. Hanging a large mirror or other reflective items over the stove enhances the beneficial power of the cook and corrects functional problems that do not allow the cook to be seen clearly in the kitchen from outside the kitchen.

Increasing positive Chi in the kitchen can also be accomplished by placing a cooking modern kitchen island in the middle of the kitchen. This cooking island can be a stove/microwave combination, a flat grill-type range or any other cooking appliance applicable to the needs of the cook. In addition, the open space afforded by a cooking island allows the Feng shui of the kitchen to flow without interruption.

Since Feng shui emphasizes the natural symmetry and harmony of nature, kitchens decorated using Chi principles should have freshly cut flowers, bowls of fresh fruit and plants decorating tables, counters, and windowsills. Various shades of yellow are said to be good Feng shui choices as it is supposed to enhance digestion and the ability to enjoy your food.

Feng shui practitioners do not advocate the use of fluorescent lights because they are unpleasantly bright and tend to flicker randomly, causing headaches, eyestrain and even high blood pressure. Integrate as much natural lighting into your luxury kitchen as possible during the day and rely on non-fluorescent illumination in the evening.

Round tables facilitate the flow of Chi more readily than square or rectangular dinner tables. Tables or kitchen island made of tan or yellowish-colored woods are said to help improve positive energy at mealtimes and bring functionality and happiness to your kitchen.

The one thing that Feng shui practitioners absolutely dislike is clutter! De-cluttering your kitchen should be the first step in renovating your kitchen to conform to Feng shui principles. Throwing away old, tarnished pots and pans or appliances that are half-broken is further recommended since the negativity of these items draws the positive Chi energy out of the kitchen.

Choosing kitchen cabinetry for your custom kitchen remodel in NJ can and should be a major decision on the part of a homeowner. Cabinetry takes up a major amount of space in the kitchen, making it one of the most featured and prominent aspects of a high-end kitchen. Therefore, great care should be taken in understanding the different types of kitchen cabinetry that are available on the market as well as the benefits of each. Continue reading this blog post by Modiani Kitchens NJ to learn more about kitchen cabinet categories and the proper wording.

In general, custom kitchen cabinets are available in three major categories:

• Custom Kitchen Cabinetry
• Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinetry
• Stock Kitchen Cabinetry

Below is an in-depth exploration of each of these major categories.

 

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Custom kitchen cabinets is cabinetry that is designed and fabricated directly based on specifications and measurements dictated by the purchaser. Because custom cabinets are fabricated on demand, the purchaser has a wide range of options for personalization of the cabinetry. Homeowners are therefore able to pick the kitchen cabinet color, material, style, size, hardware, amenities, and functionality of each aspect of the cabinetry. The biggest benefit to custom kitchen cabinetry is the high level of customization. The major drawback to custom luxury cabinetry is the cost. Because the cabinets are created directly for the user, the cost of the pieces is very high. Further, custom pieces are not eligible for return or exchange, so a purchaser must be very aware of his or her end needs before placing an order.

 

Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Because many homes and kitchens contain similar dimensions, a set of common measurements that represents a range of ‘normal’ kitchen conditions is available for semi-custom cabinetry. In this instance, the cabinets are fabricated on demand the same way they would be with custom cabinetry, but they are built based on these set specifications. As measurements are chosen from a grid of norms, kitchens often do contain a little extra space than the normalized specifications cover. In this instance, ‘spacers’ – empty spaces with the facades of cabinets to mask them – are incorporated into the overall cabinetry layout. Semi-custom cabinetry is considered more economical to produce than custom cabinetry, due to the use of common specifications. Since semi-custom cabinetry is fabricated for the user, the purchaser has a wide range of options by way of materials, colors, and hardware.

 

Stock Kitchen Cabinets

Stock cabinetry offers standard sizes that can be purchased at a showroom. Despite the fact that they are not manufactured specifically for the person who is purchasing them, stock cabinets do offer a wide range of choices by way of style. Stock cabinets are manufactured in a variety of kitchen materials, finishes, and styles. Amenities to make the cabinets the most useful in the high-end kitchen are often included in stock cabinetry, with the most popular features being included most. Features include wine racks, spice racks, and lazy susans. Stock cabinetry is considered the most affordable option for purchasing cabinetry as it does not involve direct labor for the end user. Of course, because stock cabinetry comes in a set variety of sizes, it does not always fit perfectly in a kitchen space. This should be considered when purchasing stock cabinetry.

 

Kitchen Cabinets in New Jersey

Our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, New Jersey specializes in custom and semi-custom kitchen cabinets. Whether you are looking for a modern, transitional or traditional kitchen for your residential or commercial space, we are here to assist you with the best kitchen cabinet type and design decisions and will accompany you throughout the whole kitchen design process, from start to end. Contact Modiani Kitchens for complimentary kitchen consultation.

As many people know, in recent years, the green movement – a motion to embody practices that help, not hinder, the environment – has gained a great deal of steam in the United States and worldwide. As we continue to see the effects of our behaviors on the environment unfold in new and terrifying ways, be it weather or deteriorating crops, it’s a good time to be taking a step back and to evaluate our actions. If we can’t reverse what we have done to the environment, we can at least lessen our impact moving forward with responsible purchases and practices.

Of course, we also live in a world where we have become accustomed to certain luxuries, and where design is as cutting edge as ever due to the prevalence of technologies that allow us to embrace intricate styles. The connectivity that the internet has bred in all of us has lead to a lifestyle that is full of a desire to be as unique, beautiful, and well-styled as possible. So, while we want to act responsibly and be part of the green movement, we aren’t exactly ready to abandon our lifestyles and go to live in tiny huts made of clay.

For this reason, many kitchen designers and kitchen material developers are embracing the green movement in their work, producing beautiful results while also embodying a green spirit. Below, you may find information about some of the materials and products that are being incorporated into modern kitchen design that are both responsible and beautiful.

Natural Fabrics:

Natural cotton is a much more economically friendly choice than synthetic fabrics. Synthetics are manufactured using a lot of harmful chemicals, which undoubtedly have a negative impact on our environment. Natural cotton can be used in towels, curtains, and even throw rugs.

Cork:

Cork, which is derived from the bark of a tree, is a quickly emerging material in luxury kitchen design. Cork is easy to replace and is therefore ideal for kitchens. It is used on several surfaces, including the kitchen floor, where it provides the buoyancy that has long been desired by chefs.

Bamboo:

Bamboo is often incorporated in Asian-inspired designs and is also gaining steam in western designs as well. Bamboo, which is a stem-like tree, is a beautiful addition to the kitchen and can be used in cabinets, flooring, and instruments like cutting boards and utensils.

Fluorescent Lighting:

Fluorescent lights use clean energy and provide the bright lighting that many desire in the kitchen space. The good news for responsible consumption is that fluorescent lights also use up to 50% less energy than other lighting options.

Recycled Stone-Chipped Countertops:

Granite has long been a favorite for countertops. However, granite is not a renewable source, and many who go green feel that using granite is creating a problem by using a source that will eventually run out. Recycled stone-chipped countertops are an excellent alternative to granite, and they have a similar appearance to it, too!

This award-winning Cesar Maxima 2.2 kitchen is now on display at Modiani Kitchens, Englewood, NJ. It is made of 9 feet tall heat-treated oak wood cabinets. The kitchen island’s material choice is brown matt lacquer with a marble leather finish countertop. The same marble finish is also used for the backsplash unit with LED lights and retractable doors. The kitchen has glass cabinets on both sides, which can be used both for storage and as an additional design element. The appliances in this specific kitchen are provided by the luxury appliance brand Gaggenau. The refrigerator and freezer are hidden behind the tall cabinets and can be opened with a push pull mechanism. Arrange a kitchen appointment with one of our in-house kitchen designers to learn more about this Italian custom kitchen. We hope that it will inspire you for your own, unique kitchen project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen flooring options today range from traditional linoleum to “floating” or laminate flooring to the trending, exotic hardwood floors composed of yellow pine or rich, dark cherry. Although it is classified as a “soft” wood, yellow pine is actually a great choice for kitchen floor material because it is durable, resists fading and cleans easily. Because of its light, pure color, yellow pine instantly brightens any room and blends well with just about any décor shades. What really attracts people to choosing yellow pine flooring when renovating their luxury kitchen is the wood’s ability to darken over time, exhibiting a warmer yellow hue as it ages naturally in the kitchen. Easy to install, yellow pine floors can remain unfinished or you can stain the wood any color you wish.

Searching for affordable yet beautiful countertop material? Why not consider granites and other manufactures stones that come in a dazzling array of colors, textures and designs. The most common kind of countertop material is natural granite, with engineered stones such as marble, slate, quartz and onyx representing other popular countertop materials. Quartz is a very durable, stain resistant stone available in over 60 different colors. Although marble is more vulnerable to stains and dents, its elegance and glossy finish makes it the perfect type of countertop stone to enhance modern kitchens, large bathrooms and outdoor bars. Cultured marble is a combination of coloration, crushed limestone and fiberglass resin that is not only durable but economical as well, often implemented in apartments and tract homes.

Kitchen light fixtures are no longer just simple dome lights in the middle of the kitchen. Home renovation companies provide many different styles of lighting fixtures for the kitchen to suit any style, size or décor. Be aware, however, that while that picture of a chandelier kitchen light looks lovely, it may not be functional in your new kitchen. If you cook a lot in your kitchen and use a separate area in which to eat, you want to make sure the light is adequate enough to see what you are doing. Fluorescent lighting is the most energy efficient; fluorescent bulbs will last much longer than regular light bulbs and produces solid streams of light that bounce off the ceiling to provide maximum illumination in darker kitchens. Alternately, if you want a cozier, warmer feel to your new modern or traditional kitchen, select incandescent lights instead of fluorescent lights but remember that incandescent lighting generates more heat, especially if your kitchen lights are ceiling mounted rather than mounted under cabinets or on the walls.

Decorating your renovated luxury kitchen with unique and personalized tile backsplashes is another way to give your kitchen an innovative appeal that emerges from the hundreds of different colors, shapes and finishes offered by backsplash tiling manufacturers. Examples of tile designs include art deco, colored glass, mural tiles that exhibit kitchen-related images and brick-style tile that will give your kitchen a traditional, country charm. Although it may be tempting to match your cabinet color to your backsplash color, contrasting these two items by combining subtly opposing shades of the same color will not only enhance the beauty of your kitchen but will also exude an illusion of spaciousness and clarity gently defined by these diverging hues.

The kitchen renovation company with which you choose to build your new kitchen can provide you with even more excellent ideas for the kind of kitchen you have always dreamed of having, including ideas concerning window creation, furniture, traditional kitchen islands and the latest in state of the art kitchen appliances

Your kitchen desperately needs a makeover. In fact, you are having nightmares about strangers barging into your home and telling you in no uncertain terms: “This kitchen looks awful!” So where do you begin?

Step 1)

Unless you have a definite picture of the kind of kitchen you want, start looking at pictures of different kitchen styles and save the ones you like on your computer. After you have accumulated about 20 images, go back and eliminate the ones you don’t really “love”. Do this a few times until you have that one kitchen picture you want to use as a template for your newly remodeled kitchen.

Step 2)

Think about how your kitchen is used, i.e., how often do you cook there, how many people regularly gather in the kitchen, would you benefit from having a bar installed? How about a modern or traditional luxury kitchen island? Do you want to keep your old appliances or invest in modern, state of the art flat ranges or energy-saving refrigerators?

Step 3)

Find an established and reputable kitchen remodeling agency to help you select materials, determine optimal dimensions to facilitate kitchen functionality and work out any problems that may arise before, during and after the project. Expert kitchen renovators also provide inside knowledge concerning permits, contracts, ordering materials and budgeting your project so you get the best results for the amount you have to spend.

Step 4)

Meet with your renovators to discuss floor plans, cabinet sizes and the general layout of the kitchen you want. Although you are probably excited about what the finished kitchen will look like, try to stay focused on the planning aspect, which fundamentally determines the final appearance of your kitchen.

Step 5)

Choose the components of your kitchen. These include cabinet design, sink fixtures, light fixtures, color and style of flooring and countertop material. This step may take you several days but don’t rush through it–what you order and have installed is what you will end up with for a long time!

Step 6)

Finalize schematics with your renovators and organize any paperwork you need to be completed before actually beginning the remodeling process.

Step 7)

Are you planning to remain in your home during the reconstruction process? If so, prepare ahead of time for dining out, grilling on the patio (if it is summer) or living somewhere else temporarily to avoid the noise and chaos altogether. Also, be aware that family members with dust allergies may not be able to reside in the home during remodeling.

Step 8)

Stop in and see how your kitchen is progressing each day. Stay in touch with contractors to ensure everything is progressing smoothly and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Step 9)

A day or two before your new luxury kitchen is finished, consult with everyone involved with the project to ask if there are any unexpected problems or if there is anything you need to know about the kitchen that may have turned out slightly different from the original schematics. Sometimes a cabinet corner or appliance may not fit exactly as planned and contractors may have to readjust dimensions and materials to create the seamless appearance everyone wants.

Step 10)

The mess is cleaned up, the remodeling is finished – now enjoy your brand new kitchen!

Here’s the scoop: if you don’t want to know what really happens during a complete kitchen renovation, stop reading.

But… if you want some helpful advice on how to prepare for a remodeling project and what to expect while your kitchen is gutted and totally remade, then keep reading.

You know those beautiful pictures of Italian luxury designer kitchens you see on home decorating websites? Well, those images neglect to show what happens before and during the process, such as having contractors banging, sawing and hammering in your kitchen for several weeks while they fill the air with dust and particulates. Before the renovations start, take everything off the walls in your kitchen and cover anything that needs to remain in rooms close to the kitchen with old sheets or blankets. If you are keeping your old light fixtures, you might want to wrap them using plastic garbage bags to prevent dust accumulations.

Of course, you will need to make other dining arrangements so it might be beneficial to scope out local restaurants. You can move the microwave into another room to make quick snacks and purchase one of those mini-refrigerators to keep a few cold items handy. The best option to consider while your high-end kitchen is being renovated is to take that vacation you and your family have been talking about for the past six months. If nothing else, staying at a Holiday Inn for a week and enjoying room service, swimming pools and exercise rooms beats remaining in the home where the sight of your temporarily wrecked kitchen makes you feel a bit anxious.

Don’t hold any expectations about the process being streamlined and stress-free. Problems are bound to arise during such an extreme makeover as a kitchen renovation. The majority of delays are simply beyond the control of your contractors and the home remodeling company with which you have chosen to use. Materials that are slow to be shipped, structural issues with the kitchen’s dimensions, something electrical or plumbing related that needs to be upgraded to comply with codes or even unexpected changes in the number of workers that are available to the contractor are just a few setbacks that could extend the time it takes to complete the project. However, just keep in mind that it will get done and you will have your beautiful, showcase kitchen to enjoy for many years to come.

If you live in areas that experience definite seasonal changes in the weather, try to avoid renovating your kitchen in the winter. Warmer weather means you can grill outside, take picnics, go to the beach and just have a better experience while your kitchen gets its much-needed makeover. Summer kitchen remodeling projects also avoid the extra expense of heating bills that may increase due to contractors repeatedly entering and leaving your home. With cabinets, appliances, flooring and other items to bring in and install, your front and possibly back door will be opening and closing quite a bit.

Be aware that professional remodeling companies will work with you every step of the way during the kitchen remodeling process to make the experience as easy and problem-free as possible, which makes choosing one that has an established reputation in the field of remodeling a vital aspect of the renovation event.

The days of linoleum tiling being the only choice for luxury kitchens have long past. Today’s homeowners are embracing a wide range of options for the kitchen floor, embracing modern styles and fashionable appearances. So, what are kitchen floors made of these days? Below are a variety of choices that homeowners are drawn to.

Wood

Though hardwood was once only used in bedrooms and living rooms, it has found its way into the kitchen in recent years. Many homeowners are now using wood in the kitchen. Why the shift? Kitchens are now thought of even more as the heart of the home than they were before. Many kitchens are part of an open floor plan and are connected with the living room, and many families spend a great deal of time in the kitchen cooking, eating, doing homework, and working on the computer – hence the new kitchen layouts. As the kitchen has become a more important space in the home, it’s also become a space that homeowners desire to feel is beautiful and seamlessly part of the rest of the home.

Traditional hardwood floors do require some maintenance. Hardwood flooring is typically finished with oil and wax, which creates a weathered, antiqued appearance. Though this is fine for a less busy area, in the custom kitchen, this would require frequent waxing. Instead, many homeowners who plan to use hardwood in the kitchen use hardwood that has been pre-treated with a sealer such as polyurethane. Floors that are pre-sealed don’t require the waxing that an untreated hardwood floor does, making maintenance a lot easier.

Rubber Flooring

For the homeowner who embraces a more industrial kitchen, rubber flooring, which has been a favorite for chefs for decades, is a unique and wonderful option. Rubber flooring is easier on the feet and back, which is why it’s used in kitchens where chefs stand for sixty or more hours a week. For the homeowner who spends a great deal of time in the kitchen, a rubber floor is a great idea. Rubber flooring is very easy to maintain by simple sweeping and mopping, and it’s able to withstand a great deal of foot traffic. And some good news? Rubber flooring is environmentally friendly – it’s produced out of old rubber tires!

Brick

Many people don’t realize that brick is actually a flooring option, and it can do a great deal of good in your American or Italian high-end kitchen. Brick flooring pavers offer a warm, inviting, timeless look in the kitchen that is easy to maintain. Brick is a unique twist on traditional tiling, and if the space fits it, it can be an excellent option for many different homes.

Brick, rubber, and wood flooring offer a lot of variety when it comes to color and style, making them even more attractive to homeowners looking for new and exciting kitchen flooring solutions. For example, wood comes in hard dark woods or light woods such as bamboo, allowing one to really evaluate what would best complement the kitchen itself before installing the actual flooring.

Although a great deal happens in the affluent kitchen, the look and feel of the space is not often defined by what is cooked or stored in the kitchen. Instead, the look and feel of the kitchen is largely decided by the elements that make it up: the countertops and cabinets. In the cabinetry even more than the countertops, an opportunity exists to create a space with a great deal of character and personality. And, importantly for a busy kitchen, an opportunity also exists to create a space that is efficient in both its productivity and its storage.

The Look and Feel

As we have mentioned, the look and feel of the kitchen space is ultimately going to be determined by the stylistic elements within it. There is no element of the kitchen that is more important than the custom kitchen cabinetry. After all, the cabinetry in the kitchen is where almost everything else that is stored in the kitchen will rest. It’s rare for belongings to be out in the open in the kitchen – the cabinets hide everything instead. Therefore, it’s really the cabinets, and not what you belong, that set the stage for the room.

Cabinets come in two major varieties: frameless and face-framed. Frameless construction cabinets are made individually like individual boxes and are situated with a small gap between them. Face-framed cabinets, on the other hand, are set in a wooden frame upon which doors are placed. Face-framed cabinets are considered more common in the United States, while frameless cabinets are characteristic of European style kitchens.

Sizing and finishing for your kitchen cabinets will have a big impact on the overall appearance of the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is the only room in the house that has cabinets extending almost to the ceiling. Therefore the color, material, and style of cabinets that you choose will have a big impact.

Accessories also help to define the style of the kitchen. Intricate knobs are very different than simple ones, and cabinets without knobs at all are also becoming very popular in modern high-end kitchens.

The Layout

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s really important to understand how you use the space now and how you would like to use it after the remodel. What are the aspects of your kitchen that you wish were different? Do you need a little more space between the modern or traditional kitchen island and the sink? Do you wish there was a little more counter space next to the stove? The placement of all of these important elements in the kitchen will help to determine where you place your cabinets and what types of cabinets you install. Do you wish spices were easy to access? A spice drawer in a pullout cabinet may be the way to go. Do you need to be able to reach plates easier? Perhaps lower lying cabinets would be of better help than much taller ones. Understanding the way that you move about the kitchen will help you to make the best choices when picking and placing cabinets.

In many ways, the contemporary luxury kitchen sets the tone for the entire home. Particularly with the recent popularity of open floor plans, where the kitchen is an integral part of the parts of the home that are thought of as ‘living areas’, the kitchen’s design is of utmost importance. If you are considering embracing a contemporary style in your kitchen, consider the following points of intrigue as you’re laying your plans.

Embrace Simplicity

Even the smallest kitchen can appear spacious and expansive if clutter is not part of the equation. Although many homeowners like to keep often-used items such as oils and vinegars on the countertop, the truth is that the cleaner your space is, the larger and more beautiful it will look. Designing a cabinet plan that allows you to tuck away all items is another huge help in keeping clutter down.

Embrace Technology

Sure, simple is great, but so are the advances that have been made in the world of kitchens. Gone are the days when a TV must rest on a windowsill in order to have the news on while you cook. TVs are now part of many modern refrigerators, keeping the television from cluttering the space by instead working it seamlessly into an existing appliance. Technological advances don’t stop at the television, though. From timers to ice crushers to refrigerators that can get extra cold for a particular period of time when it’s necessary to cool something off, the technology that is available for the contemporary kitchen was created to make your life easier.

Suit Your Style

Countertops and cabinetry are the two most eye-catching elements in expensive kitchen. They dominate the space, setting the tone for how your kitchen will be felt. By understanding what type of overall look you want to achieve, you will be able to make the best decisions when it comes to the countertops and cabinets that you choose. Most countertop materials come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to decide whether you want to skew dark or light.

Invest in Solid Appliances

Appliances from a company that is backed with a strong reputation for excellence may be more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts, but the investment is certainly worthwhile. When you purchase a major item like a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher, the hope is that you will have long-term success with the appliance. Saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars now can run you several hundred in the future if you have to replace a major appliance only a few years after purchasing it. Keep in mind that if you want long-term results, you need to think long-term.

Pay Attention to Lighting

The lighting in your American or Italian high-end kitchen can define how the space is used, so choose wisely. Track lighting over a butcher block will make it easy to use, while a dark corner may go unused during food prep. Be aware of where natural light comes from, and plan your lighting scheme to complement and enhance what’s already there.

While our Modiani kitchen showrooms in Englewood, NJ & Greenwich, CT specialize in full kitchen remodels, we are happy to assist our clients with the right kitchen tile decision. First of all, kitchen tiles should enhance the aesthetics of your high-end kitchen by adding color, design, and ambiance. However, the choice of kitchen tiles should also be able to withstand years of being stood upon, stomped on, scuffed, scraped, and, if kids are involved, the brute beatings inflicted by large, sturdy toys manipulated by equally sturdy preschoolers. So, when choosing kitchen tiles, it is equally important that they are beautiful as well as resistant and durable.

5 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Kitchen Tiles:

1. Decide on the quality of your kitchen tiles, which goes hand in hand with how much money you would like to spend on them. Linoleum and vinyl kitchen tiles are less expensive than ceramic tiles that are custom designed according to your specifications. Other kinds of tile materials include stone, cork, quarry, porcelain and even bamboo.
2. Is your American or Italian high-end kitchen the main hub of your household or is it only invaded at certain times, let’s say at dinnertime? For families that use the kitchen for everything but taking a bath, consider resilient kitchen tiles over tiles that contain intricate designs or can be easily chipped and cracked.
3. Does a spill occur every 30 seconds in your kitchen? If so, opt for kitchen floor tiles that have a texture or a slightly elevated pattern to prevent slips and falls. Limestone or clay tiles are both elegant and safe to walk on when set. After they have been fired, your tile can give the appearance of natural stone, which may blend well in kitchens exhibiting a rustic, farm-style design.
4. Tiles incorporated with cork are resistant to moisture, versatile and durable while also capable of reducing the impact of noisy, playful toddlers. For homes that have shift workers who sleep during the day, cork tiles may be one way to decrease daytime bedlam.
5. Although you may love that dark, faux-wood tiles you saw in this design catalog, stop and consider the actual size of your modern, transitional or traditional kitchen before beginning to lay it all down. Keep in mind that small kitchens may look even more “claustrophobic” with dark floor tile and can inhibit the ability to properly illuminate the kitchen. If you want your kitchen to seem more spacious, pick a color for your kitchen tiles that blends well with any backsplash or counter tiles you may already have in your kitchen.

Tiles For Your Custom Kitchen

Speaking of tiles for your kitchen’s backsplash, you will have to consider the color and material of your kitchen cabinets to implement perfect kitchen tiles within your custom kitchen. Be careful about too-dramatic color contrasts that may cause your kitchen to look asymmetrical or disconnected as well as the size of the tile cut. Large-cut tiles may overpower a kitchen, while too-small cut tiles may make for an overly eager, somewhat irritating backsplash. For professional advice and suggestions, talk to one of our Modiani kitchen designers about what kind of tiles you should use to achieve the distinctive look and functionality you want in your new custom kitchen.

Why should you not hire a high-end kitchen designer? Unless you already know about material choices, contractual agreements, schematics, electrical and plumbing configuration, appliance layout, and functionality, your decision to renovate your kitchen without the assistance of a professional could turn out to be an unmitigated disaster.

Experienced kitchen designers do what they do because they excel at creating beautiful luxury kitchens and love doing it. In addition, a good kitchen designer will give you sound advice about budgeting wisely, avoiding design errors that may reduce the practical functionality of your new kitchen and how to expand the use of existing space.

Certified kitchen and bath designer Denise Dick asserts that kitchen renovations demand the knowledge of specialists who understand how to fit everything together the first time. She even compares a professional kitchen designer to a doctor who specializes in certain areas of the body. As with doctors, you also need to remain cognizant of scam artists pretending to be kitchen remodeling experts. When searching for a kitchen designer, stick with people who are certified by the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, can provide references and have several years experience working in the industry.

An excellent and reputable kitchen designer will also ask you specific questions prior to presenting the first layout of your new kitchen, such as:

• How many people live in the home?
• Do you have a certain way that you prepare meals?
• Do your children do their homework in the kitchen?
• Do you have pets and if so, how many and what kind?
• Is the primary cook in the household left-handed or right-handed?
• Is anyone in the household handicapped or have special needs?

Just like any other service provider, kitchen designers have a lot at stake with each new luxury kitchen project they accept. People who have even one bad experience with a particular designer are more inclined to tell others about this mishap, even if it is minor. Maintaining an exceptional reputation is vital to the success of a kitchen designer, which is why you might be surprised at a number of details involved in a remodeling contract.

Further reasons for hiring a high-end kitchen designer include:

• Having someone in your home who you know will adhere to industry codes concerning professional conduct
• Recognizes and is familiar with consumer safety, welfare and health standards in kitchen design
• Possesses skill with adeptly assessing customer wants and needs and incorporating them into the design plans

Additionally, your kitchen designer will relieve you of searching for information about local building codes as well as environmental and safety regulations relevant to your city and county.

For many families, a kitchen remodel can do a great deal toward the pleasure and efficiency found in the kitchen. Many kitchens are outdated, particularly in older homes, and a remodel can do wonders to bring the kitchen up to date. Below are some of the biggest trends in kitchen remodeling today.

Replace The Floors with Wood

Gone are the days where tile was the only option for the kitchen. Hardwood kitchen flooring has become one of the hottest trends out there. Although some balk at the suggestion because of the level of care that traditional hardwood flooring requires, there are actually many new options available to homeowners that make hardwood a viable option.

For example, engineered wood flooring created with a plywood base and real hardwood veneer is much more affordable than true hardwood and is also much easier to care for.

Many homeowners who ask us to design a luxury kitchen for them, are getting creative with the hardwood look, using woods that in a variety of sizes, shapes, and patterns. One trend in Florida even has hardwood giving off a beach-inspired attitude by using wide planks with hand scraping.

Include the Kitchen Sink

Though many people overlook the major fixtures such as the sink in a remodel, stylists encourage homeowners to infuse their American or Italian luxury kitchen with life via the sink. Size and shape are highly customizable options of the kitchen sink. Many homeowners today are leaning toward deep bowl sinks that can accommodate pots and pans.

Sink materials are now varying too, offering a wide range of style options. One major trend that designers have picked up on as of late is stainless steel, which offers a modern look and durability.

Refaced Cabinets

Installing new cabinetry can be a huge undertaking. But, your desire to steer clear from a whole new set of traditional or modern kitchen cabinets doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to settle for what you have, either. Swapping out the cabinet doors while maintaining the original cabinet structure is referred to as resurfacing the cabinets. It’s an affordable option for those who want a new look but don’t want to shell out the cash for an entirely new system of cabinetry.

The trend in resurfacing is to go simple and contemporary, say experts. Many are looking to revamp a space by simplifying it, eliminating clutter and complication. Modern, clean styles help to do this.

Varying Cabinet Colors

While the cabinets are being resurfaced, many are considering the color scheme thereof and are abandoning old trends. Many stylists are now infusing the kitchen with several cabinets in different colors, creating visual intrigue and giving the kitchen a modern look.

The most popular color schemes include gray, taupe, and cream with an island or the lower cabinets in a darker wood.

Countertops

For many people, the countertop is considered the most prominent and important aspect of the kitchen. Therefore, many people begin a kitchen remodel by desiring new countertops.

Gone are the days of expensive stone countertops. Instead, many homeowners are flocking to quartz countertops, which are extremely durable and require little to no maintenance. Quartz also offers a simplicity in the pattern that granite does not, which is a big win for those hoping for extremely simple, modern looks for the kitchen.

In many homes, the kitchen is the epicenter – the beating heart of the house. In homeowner’s modern, transitional or traditional luxury kitchens is where meals are prepared and eaten, homework is done, dishes are washed, and school lunches are prepared. Some might attest to the fact that it’s possible for the kitchen to be the most frequently traveled room in the entire house. It’s no surprise then that many homeowners put a lot of thought and care into selecting a kitchen floor.

Because the kitchen is such a high traffic area in the home, it requires an extremely durable and easy to maintain material be used to make it. After all, the kitchen is not only the place with the most foot traffic – it’s also the place in the home most likely to experience spills. Porcelain is commonly used for kitchen flooring by way of porcelain tiling. Porcelain is extremely versatile while also being extremely durable. Porcelain is also budget friendly. Compared to natural stones, porcelain is considered much more affordable.

Resilience is very important for a luxury kitchen floor, and porcelain is an extremely suitable in that regard. Porcelain tiles are fired at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, making them extremely durable. Therefore they are unlikely to discolor, crack, or chip. Porcelain is also much less likely to scratch than its natural stone counterparts such as slate, travertine, and limestone.

Floor tiling trends have tiles getting larger than they once were. In years past, kitchen tiles were twelve inches, whereas these days they are usually sixteen inches or even larger varieties at eighteen inches, twenty-one inches, and twenty-four inches. The trend in larger tiles is actually backed by technology, which has allowed manufacturers to produce larger tiles without the concern of the tiles warping.

When using tiling for the kitchen floor, there will be space between the tiles, which is referred to as the grout. Larger tiles lead to less grout in the flooring, and in smaller American or Italian luxury kitchens, the effect can be quite stunning. Some experts say that epoxy grouts are the best grouts to employ, mainly because epoxy contains grease and contaminant resistant additives. Therefore, the grout is easier to keep clean, minimizing the visual effects of dirt or grime getting in the grout and making the life of the homeowner much easier when it comes to maintenance.

Of course, if a tile is not your thing, there are other options for the kitchen floor as well. Hardwood floors, for example, are an age-old favorite due to their beautiful appearance. Did you know that hardwood is also a favorite for people who do a lot of standing on a particular surface because they are softer than tilling and therefore provide better support to the feet and legs? Hardwood is also a favorite for those who have hardwood in other rooms, as it allows for a seamless visual from room to room.

When weighing the options for your high-end kitchen, style, budget, and long-term success are the most important elements to consider.

When it comes to modern high-end kitchen renovation, the kitchen island is a near must. Almost all new designs include a modern kitchen island. The kitchen island can be used as a prep area for cooking, a place to sit and eat, or even a place to do the dishes when a sink is installed within it. The island enhances efficiency in the kitchen, which in today’s busy age is a near necessity for families.

When islands first appeared in kitchens, they were akin to a butcher block. The island was a simple workspace where cutting and other food preparation occurred. Eventually, cabinetry was added below the island. Even still, the island remained a fairly simple freestanding piece of kitchen furniture.

Today’s islands, however, are often the focal point of a space. Using bold cabinet colors, glamorous materials, and design flourishes, kitchen islands draw attention. Further, they are more efficient than ever as modern technology has made it possible to push the kitchen island beyond initial limitations with enhancements like sinks and stovetop ranges.

If you are considering adding a kitchen island to your kitchen space, there are some components to consider.

Project Size:

As with any major home project, it’s important to determine what you’re willing to get yourself into. How much you are willing to spend will determine what types of features your modern or traditional kitchen island may have.

Project Type:

Are you going to try to handle the high-end kitchen project on your own, or is this more a job for a professional designer and installer? There’s a big difference between what you might be able to handle on your own versus what you need to bring a professional in for. Be realistic and leave your ego at the door. If you need a professional, hire a professional.

Size:

How much space do you want your island to take up in your American or Italian luxury kitchen, and how much space are you hoping to have on top of it? Also be sure to consider your desired height in an island. You want to be able to comfortably work on the island, so your height may play a big role in this decision.

Placement:

There needs to be enough room around the island to allow for an easy traffic flow through your luxury kitchen. Place your island carefully and keep in mind that the most traveled areas in the kitchen are the stove, sink, and refrigerator. There should be at least a forty-eight-inch walkway allowed between the island and all other surfaces.

Function:

Do you intend to use your island as a workspace, a storage space, a dining space, or a food prep space? Understanding how you want to use your island will help you to determine how to best go about constructing your island.

Mobility:

Do you want your island to be movable, or do you want it stationary? There are pros and cons to each!

Fixtures:

Consider what types of fixtures you might want to include on your island. Is a stovetop a desire? What about a dishwasher? Again, knowing how you want to use your island and what you hope it will add to the space will be of big help here.

Modern kitchen style trends change just as quickly as trends in the fashion world. Currently, high-end kitchen designers and showrooms are reporting a definite eagerness for light to medium veneers and finishes over the once popular, darker colors that dominated the in-vogue kitchen. Instead of cherry wood, remodelers are seeing a preference for birch, walnut and even bamboo for people interested in creating an eco-friendly kitchen.

Other hot trends in modern high-end kitchen design include:

• Countertops gleaming with black, faux-leather finishes highlighted by glossy white cabinets and stainless steel appliances
• Renewed popularity in polished chrome and painted kitchen islands
• White tiles, brick, wallpaper or glass as backsplash options
• Choosing gray or green shades as a neutral color scheme instead of traditional off-white or white
• Wallpapering the inside of cupboards and the exterior of kitchen islands for a fresh, funky look
• Pull-out faucets instead of sinks with pull-out side sprays
• Using LED lights, chandeliers, pendant lamps and torchieres as stylish and efficient kitchen illumination
• Cherry or maple cabinets with furniture-like aspects such as bun feet and moldings
• Stainless steel and cast iron undermounted sinks for a smootunder-mountedearance
• Implementing convection ovens and warming drawers for a European-style functionality
• Antique, glazed and distressed finishes for wood cupboards and kitchen islands

According to major kitchen designers, the modern high-end kitchen continues to expand and develop in complexity, leaning more towards “mixed orders” than one distinct design. Baking centers, intricate kitchen islands, wet bars and even butler’s pantries are finding their way into trending kitchen architecture.

Light and spacious interiors represent another strong trend regarding Italian luxury kitchen cabinet design. The emphasis is on visual consistency emerging from simple lines incorporated in cabinetry made from white oak wood that reveals horizontal grains on drawers and doors. Cabinetry surrounding the stove as well as wooden sections of a kitchen island also features this type of seamless vertical graining. In addition, plaster walls created from milestone and satiny, whitewashed floors bring a mirror-like quality to one of these fashionable kitchens enhancing an airy, diaphanous quality.

Alternative materials for making countertops are trending early in 2018 as well. Instead of traditional granite, renovated kitchens are incorporating countertops made from limestone, basalt, glass and marble that is then sealed with new types of powerful solutions that adds to the durability and sleekness of these countertops.

Kitchens referred to as “U-shaped” are recognized by incorporating a workspace that is surrounded by three adjoining walls that create a space roughly 10 to no more than 19 feet wide. The purpose of a U-shaped kitchen design is to combine two functions—eating and cooking—into one enclosed area. Traffic flow is eliminated in these types of kitchens because people enter and leave using the same exit.

Kitchens designed as a “U” generally offer ample counter space as well as enough room to place a small to a medium-sized kitchen island. Busy cooks enjoy the efficiency of a U-shaped kitchen because it provides them with the ability to pivot from stove to refrigerator to sink and back again without wasting a second of their time in the kitchen. Unlike a galley kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen allows enough room for additional people to hang out while someone is preparing a meal.

Design Ideas for a U-Shaped Kitchen

• Create an energetic, contemporary look by placing a trendy, multi-level kitchen island within the “U” and installing rich, cherry-wood cabinets that emphasize splashes of bright yellow, airy greens and pure whites.
• Furniture-like kitchen islands can also double as an eating area by using matching, cushioned bar stools as chairs.
• For smaller “U” kitchens, place a large mirror at the end of the kitchen above the stove. Depending on the kitchen’s décor, mirrors can be frameless, eclectically-framed or framed with the same kind of wood used to make the cabinets.
• Establish a spacious, ultramodern ambiance in your luxury kitchen by laying diamond-shaped tiles of contrasting light colors. Green and white or pale rose and white tiling will help you create an airy continuity that belies the smallness of the kitchen.
• Installing a near-ceiling high, narrow pantry between the sink and stove is a great way to maximize limited cabinet space and also add to the efficiency of a U-shaped kitchen.
• Because most homes with these kinds of kitchens are busy households, incorporating a durable, low-maintenance countertop made of heat-resistant material such as granite is a staple of the U-shaped kitchen. The variety of edge styles and exciting colors distinguishing granite countertops from other stone materials allows you to personalize your new kitchen as well.
• Deep, oversized sinks benefit kitchens with minimal space and facilitate keeping dirty dishes from cluttering the area.
• Placement of microwaves in a U-shaped kitchen is always above the stove and can double as a vent.
• Keep your new, U-shaped kitchen consistently organized and neat by using stackable shelving, lazy Susans, roll-out baskets and plate racks.

Purchasing customized luxury cabinetry instead of trying to make pre-constructed cabinets fit into your existing U-shaped kitchen is highly recommended if you are focused on maximizing limited space. By taking the space you have and building cabinets that effortlessly consume the space available, your kitchen can satisfy your needs as well as the vision you have to create the ultimate U-shaped kitchen.

Although the galley kitchen is not currently trending as one of the most popular luxury kitchen layouts, it continues to represent an excellent use of space in addition to presenting an ergonomically efficient arrangement of cupboards, sinks, countertops, and appliances facilitating the preparation and cooking of food.

The galley kitchen layout often brings to mind a boat based on the name, and that sometimes makes people brush off the layout. Ultimately, while the name originated from the design of kitchens within boats, ships, planes, and trains, it has long since become a classic kitchen layout for homes that is versatile, durable, simple, and about as ergonomically correct as you can get. You can’t really go wrong with this layout and it works in just about any home.

A galley kitchen will work beautifully with both your remodeling needs and your eventual cooking needs. Even though these usually fit the need for small kitchen spaces, you might even want to consider installing one in a larger space simply because it works so well.

What is a Galley Kitchen?

The term “galley” actually refers to kitchens on ships, planes, and trains, where the elongated spaces necessitate hallway-like floor plans. For this reason galley kitchens have classically been a perfect option for smaller homes and places where space is minimal. However, the galley kitchen design can translate into just about any space of any size. Larger galley kitchens can even integrate kitchen islands for more countertop space and can make cooking and preparing food even easier.

Characteristics of the Galley Kitchen

• A typical galley kitchen is recognized by its single-corridor style and placement of appliances, high-end kitchen cabinets, countertops, and sinks on either side of the kitchen. Because it makes such efficient use of minimal space, galley kitchens are often found in apartments, condos and one-bedroom home.
• The implementation of the classic “work triangle” which consists of the refrigerator, sink, and stove is standard to the galley kitchen. This allows whoever is working in the kitchen to quickly access one or more of these items. Generally, short countertop sections expand the stove and/or sink areas to improve productivity.
• Galley kitchens will not integrate a dining area since the primary purpose of this design is to enhance the cooking process. Occasionally, larger galley kitchens may include a nominal dining area like a countertop bar that faces the stove or sink.
• The compact nature of a galley kitchen means less walking while preparing a meal or cleaning. People who experience difficulty walking will benefit from the efficiency provided by this kitchen design. In addition, most items can be reached comfortably without straining or standing on a stepstool.
• You are likely to see pots and pans hanging from the ceiling in a galley kitchen as just one of the many ways this design utilizes available space. The dishwasher and refrigerator may be concealed behind cabinet panels as well to give the kitchen a tidy appearance.
• Colors used in galley kitchen designs are kept light and on the pastel side, since dark colors tend to make a small area seem even more cramped. Glass-front cabinets, small mesh baskets placed beside a stove for storage and plenty of lighting will give a strong illusion of space when incorporated into a galley kitchen arrangement.
• Window treatments for galley kitchens should be kept to a minimum and allow as much illumination as possible to stream into the kitchen throughout the day. Cafe curtains are often seen in galley kitchens, along with sheers or valances.
• Matching the floor color with a galley kitchen’s cabinets and walls is another characteristic feature. By creating a seamless color design that eschews contrast, an illusion of continuity is enhanced that makes a small galley kitchen seem more open and inviting.
• To take advantage of space, cabinets built into a galley kitchen usually reach the ceiling or just below the ceiling. If architectural issues prevent cabinets from making contact with the ceiling, then enough space can be left to place decorative or lesser used items on the top of the cabinets.

Pros and Cons of Galley Kitchens

Galley kitchens are a classic kitchen layout for a reason. There are many benefits to this design. Galley kitchens place an emphasis on efficiency and function. There’s no need to run all over the kitchen just to prepare a meal. This type of kitchen also works in just about any space and is great for apartments or smaller homes. With two walls that each feature a counter, there is plenty of work space available in a galley kitchen. Someone using the kitchen can easily move from one work center to another as needed. Also it offers plenty of workspace for two individuals on either side of the kitchen.

The main issue that some people have with galley kitchens is that they tend to be narrow and therefore they do not work well if many people need to be working in the kitchen at once. Two people can work well in a galley kitchen but after that it may start to get a little crowded. Also, larger kitchens have more options for storage space, but most galley kitchens still offer enough space.

Visit our Kitchen Showroom in Englewood, NJ or Greenwich, CT

If you are looking for inspiration for a galley kitchen in your home, visit the Modiani showroom for ideas. If you need more design tips for your custom kitchen design or would like to benefit from a complimentary in-showroom kitchen consultation, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Galley designs are full of endless possibilities for those who prefer compact, neat and highly organized kitchens that utilize space and reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare and cook a full meal. Discover more about the world of kitchens in our luxury kitchen blog posts on our Modiani Kitchens website.

The choice of kitchen backsplashes is becoming more and more important nowadays, especially in modern kitchen design, and for good reason. Kitchen backsplashes allow for creativity and artful design. They are the element of a kitchen redesign that will pop visually, and in many cases they bring all of the other elements in the kitchen together. Learn more about the latest design trends with regards to your kitchen backsplash choice and what to consider when choosing a backsplash for your kitchen in NJ, CT or the wider tri-state area.

 

Kitchen Backsplash Trends

There are many trends emerging in kitchen backsplashes at present in NJ, CT and across the USA. Of course, there are many different types of kitchen backsplashes available on today’s market, and so before installing one, a homeowner must fully consider all of the available backsplash design options for their custom kitchen design. Natural-stone backsplashes, which are beautiful but porous, could prove hard to clean, so for a NJ or a CT family that is often cooking deep red tomato sauces or frying in oil, they’re an option that may be best avoided. Even honed natural-stone backsplashes such as those made of marble, limestone, or slate can be troublesome, as they stain easily from contact with grease. Ceramic, porcelain, and glass are all easy to clean, so they may be a better option for a family prone to cooking large meals.

 

Kitchen Ceramic or Glass Tiles

Kitchen tiles, originally meant to replicate tiles from the New York City subway station, aptly called subway tiles, remain popular and have for years. Kitchen tiles have traditionally been one size and have been placed horizontally. However, designers with a more modern sense of style are putting a spin on tile placement, alternating size and shape of the tiles and running them vertically in some instances. Many homeowners are also discovering a love for glass in backsplashes, using one large piece of glass instead of many smaller tiles. The result is a seamless look that is contemporary and fresh. Although backsplash tiling was once relegated to the space between the counter and the cabinet, visions are expanding on the area, too. Many American and Italian kitchen designers are now placing backsplash from a counter all the way up the ceiling, creating perceived height in the space. Creative luxury kitchen solutions also exist in different types of materials. For example, magnetic tiling creates the possibility for hanging knives and other flat metal items right from the backsplash.

 

Other Kitchen Backsplash Options

For a splash of elegance, some homeowners in NJ & CT choose a mirrored kitchen backsplashes, which give off the appearance of a bigger kitchen and also reflects light nicely. Magnetic and mirrored backsplashes are great for small kitchens, magnetic because they make use of space, and mirrored because they give off the appearance of more space. Something else to keep in mind, especially if you are tasked with creating harmony in a big modern or traditional luxury kitchen, is that you may want to shy away from busy patterns such as mosaics, as they may make the space feel rather chaotic. Simple tiling is best in large spaces. Neutral colors also are encouraged in such spaces. Of course, as with any kitchen project that involves something new for the home, the price is to be considered. Depending on the materials chosen, the price may vary anywhere from $2 per foot to $100 per foot, which is, of course, a wide range. So, depending on the kitchen style, design needs and desires of the homeowner, the budget for such a project may be very different. Contact our Modiani kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ or Greenwich, CT if you need further assistance with your kitchen backsplash decision and the overall kitchen design process. We look forward to hearing from you!

Kitchen cabinets, which are one of the most defining characteristics of a kitchen, can be considered the most important aspect of any modern, transitional or traditional kitchen redesign or remodel. Kitchen cabinetry defines the functionality as well as the overall appearance of a kitchen and interior space. Therefore, when planning a kitchen redesign, it is important to consider several factors before purchasing your new kitchen cabinets. Read through this blog post by Modiani Kitchens with important tips regarding your kitchen redesign to make sure you keep all essential considerations and facts in mind prior to deciding on which cabinetry to use for your custom kitchen space.

Tip 1: Understand Your Expectations and Goals

Going into a remodel or kitchen design project without a plan is futile and can lead to frustration. In order to plan a successful kitchen project, you must first be aware of what you expect from it. How do you intend to use your kitchen space once the new kitchen cabinets have been installed? What is your goal with regards to the installation of the new cabinetry? Do you want more storage space, more ease of moving about your interior space, or are you simply looking to improve the appearance of your kitchen? Depending on what you want out of your custom kitchen project overall, you will need to employ different approaches of actually going about your kitchen redesign project.

Tip 2: Be Aware of What You Don’t Want

It is usually uncommon for a kitchen redesign project to be born out of a complete satisfaction with a current situation. What is it about your current kitchen cabinetry that isn’t sitting well with you? Knowing what it is that you don’t like about your current kitchen cabinet design will help you to make decisions about your new American or Italian kitchen cabinets that you will be happy with long term. Whether it is styling, height, organization, or layout of your kitchen, you will want to go into your new cabinet project aware of what to avoid, so you can integrate a kitchen that perfectly meets all your standards and expectations.

Tip 3: Consider Your Future Plans

Do you plan to stay in your home long-term, or are the kitchen cabinets that you are installing going to be contributing to the value of the home for resale? When you are installing cabinetry in your home, there is a great deal of customization that can occur – if it is appropriate. However, if you are not going to be staying in the home very long, customizing kitchen cabinetry to fit your personal style and needs isn’t the most sensible approach. If you are staying a long time, make the cabinets your own. If you aren’t, a more general approach to the kitchen cabinetry design and layout is a more sensible way to go. Our Modiani kitchen design team can assist you throughout the whole kitchen redesign project and will happily discuss your future plans and the usage of your kitchen space with you.

Tip 4: Be Aware of the Rest of Your Home

Homes are most harmonious when they carry a similar style across their interior spaces. Therefore, let’s say your home is very traditional, just keep in mind that an ultra modern kitchen would certainly stand out and may appear a little out of place within your home. In turn, it makes sense to make sure that the style and layout of your new kitchen matches what is already there, 0r alternatively the home you are going to have built. When you are planning a kitchen redesign, simply keep in mind that the custom kitchen design should ideally fit in with the core concepts of the design of the rest of the interior space as well as your exteriors. If you are in doubt about the style of your current or future home, we at Modiani Kitchens are happy to assist you.

Tip 5: Decide How Much Storage You Need

Although kitchen cabinets contribute to the appearance of the kitchen, their core function is of course to act as storage units. How much storage do you have now, and how much storage do you want in the future? Knowing how much you have to store and how much you want to store as part of your new kitchen redesign project will help assist you in purchasing the right cabinets for the right cabinetry plan. Contact Modiani Kitchens for further assistance and a complimentary kitchen appointment at our boutique-style kitchen showroom in Englewood, NJ or our Greenwich, CT location.