Kitchen Remodeling: the Banquette

Kitchens have become the new dining rooms. In fact, many are expanding their kitchens by knocking down a wall or two and invading the formal dining room space. Why? Because people love to spend time in the kitchens. While mom or dad is preparing dinner, they like to be able to talk to the kids as they do their homework. Or perhaps the guests want to talk with their host at a dinner party as the meal is being prepared.

Whatever the reason, it's important to make sure you include a place to dine or sit and talk or do your homework when you remodel your kitchen. A great idea from days long gone is being resurrected in the modern kitchen. The banquette has made a comeback. It's a great seating and dining option and you may have room in your new kitchen design plans. Talk with your kitchen remodeling company about having a banquette installed in the room.

The banquette comes in several forms. It can be two benches, with a table between, and chairs or stools as an optional seating choice for the exposed end. The banquette could also be U-shaped with benches surrounding the table on three sides. If you have limited space, you can set up a banquette with benches in an L-shape with chairs or stools on the other ends. Finally, you could even do one bench and a table with chairs on two or three sides.

The great thing about the banquette benches in your kitchen is they provide additional storage. It's almost like having two or even three whole new cabinets to handle kitchen items that are used infrequently.

No matter what your kitchen style is like, you can incorporate a banquette. If you've got a retro 50's kitchen with black and white tiles, you can insert a diner-like red vinyl booth. With a country flair kitchen, you can add a pine table with curvy, stylish ends on your bancquette benches and cushion material to match your kitchen linens. Asian, French, contemporary... no matter what your kitchen style, the banquette can be a great choice when you're remodeling the most important room in your house.

If you need to find a local kitchen designer or kitchen remodeling company, post your project for free with ConstructionDeal.com and we'll help you find a qualified company in your area. It's the smart way to find a contractor!

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Kitchen Remodeling: Form AND Function
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Kitchen Remodeling Components

What's involved in a major kitchen remodel? There are 5 components to any kitchen renovation project. A kitchen owner can have all four completed at once, or have them done separately to avoid complete disruption or a longer remodeling time. It's usually best to have them all done at the same time by the same company to make sure the finished product works aesthetically and functionally.

Cabinetry
New kitchen cabinets are the biggest part of any remodeling project. They set the tone for the rest of the room, they usually cost the most, and can bring the most overall value to the project. Choices in styles of cabinets, types of wood, and dimensions are the first major decisions. Placement of the cabinetry and overall storage come next. Finally, the kitchen work triangle, that allows the entire room to be a functional cooking area, is planned out as part of the kitchen renovation design. All things to consider with your new cabinets.

Countertops
The kitchen counters on top of those new cabinets are the next component to revitalizing the room. Choices of countertop material is the key element - it's got to tie in to the cabinets and the floors to make a cohesive decorating style. A quality kitchen designer can give you countertop choices that will match existing or new cabinets to make sure the room's separate components works as one. Also, remember that the countertop spaces are going to be heavily used and very visible. It's necessary to review choices and look over large sections and not just small samples to make sure you're happy with your final decision.

Flooring
Next, flooring is going to fill the room and surround the cabinets. The material must be able to withstand your family's foot traffic as well as be able to handle plenty of moisture. If you're a cook or just like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it's important to make sure the flooring material is not too hard on your feet or legs. You may love marble floors, but they can be hard to stand on for hours at a time in the kitchen. Also, to save money, don't put in your flooring until after your new cabinets have been installed. This way, you're not extending the floors to places you'll never see.

Lighting
Your kitchen's lighting scheme is usually an afterthought to a remodel. Lighting can highlight your new surfaces, make it easier to do kitchen chores, and can make the room safer while handing hot foods or working with dangerous appliances and cutlery. Make it part of your design and make sure you have a multitude of lighting choices. Adding dimmers, recessed lighting, hanging lights, and being able to have a variety of lighting settings can add wonder and value to your new kitchen.

Appliances
Many homeowners are adding new appliances, additional appliances, and storage options in their new kitchens. Plan out what you want your kitchen to have. Think about the colors and styles of new appliances. Consider if you have room for additional ones (a second microwave, dishwasher, or fridge.) It's your change to make sure your kitchen is right for you and your needs. Don't just go with what's popular. If you don't drink, don't install a wine cooler unit. If you don't entertain a lot, don't add a second dishwasher. Seems to make sense but sometimes people add something because it's in style but don't really need it.

When you're ready to remodel your kitchen, consider ConstructionDeal.com - our mission is to help you find a local, reliable contractor or kitchen designer to bring new life to the most important room in your home. Post your project for free, receive a multitude of bids from local remodeling companies, and save yourself some time and money in the process.

It's fast, free, and easy!

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