Top Trendy Kitchen Layouts

Like so many big and costly home remodeling projects, choosing a kitchen layout can be hard and a little confusing.

So, let’s make your home decorating life a little easier. We, the experts here at Just Cabinets, have compiled the trendiest kitchen designs that also earn an A+ grade when it comes to functionality.

U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-Shaped Kitchen is a perennial favorite, and the size will naturally depend on how big or small your kitchen is. This kitchen layout is designed for efficiency when working in the kitchen; it’s a perfect example of the ‘working triangle,’ where you can easily move from one kitchen station to another.

G-Shaped Kitchen

This kitchen layout is frequently considered an expansion of the aforementioned U-Shaped Kitchen. This layout bears many similarities, but includes a partial fourth wall that provides additional storage space with extra cabinets and counter space. This is perfect for homes that need additional kitchen space, but still wants the efficiency of a U-Shaped Kitchen.

L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen is definitely one of the most common kitchen designs, customizable for big or small spaces alike. All you need to get this look are two adjacent walls. Since the design occupies two adjacent walls, you’ll be left with a very efficient workspace. This classic layout is the kind that does not require much, and works perfectly with nearly all kitchen themes and decor.

Single Wall Kitchen

This layout is most often found in smaller homes. With this kind of layout, you build your kitchen along one wall. Although the single wall kitchen is relatively small compared to other kitchen layouts, it’s still extremely convenient, giving the homeowner ample room to prepare, cook and clean up.  This kitchen layout is also preferred by homeowners who appreciate a breezy, wide-open space.

Galley Kitchen

Our last layout, also known as the corridor kitchen, includes a pair of parallel work areas. Now, even though this layout probably has the least amount of prep space, if properly planned, it can be a very efficient working area, with every appliance easily within reach. It’s a great, stylish option for folks who dig small spaces. 

You now have the information you need to help you decide which kitchen layout will suit your lifestyle best. If you still need help with the design process, however, keep in mind that we have a design team ready to assist you every step of the way!

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Kitchen Trends 2014

Summertime is a natural season to start thinking about making changes to your home. When it comes to the kitchen, trending designs and materials are as explosively stylish as we’ve ever seen!

We could try and describe some of these hot trends - but it’s usually more fun to show you. So, here are some pictures (thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest) that neatly sum up what designers are saying about kitchens in 2014.

1. Black Kitchen

Even though light colors and natural wood and stone are hot right now, designers are praising the dramatic and elegant look of black for the kitchen - especially when paired with the equally trendy brass and copper fixtures and hardware.'

2. Blue Kitchen

It seems like a bit of a commitment, but a blue-hued color scheme for the kitchen is making waves in the design world. Here's a rather dramatic example, but we're digging it - especially the glass-paneled cabinets and bar-seating. This design soaks in summer and could just make colder winter months a little more bearable. 

3. Exposed

More and more designers are praising the beauty of open-shelving...and if it turns out like this, we're all in. This particular example also takes advantage of another trendy material - stone. Added bonus - those of us who tend to be a little, well, cluttered, will have some motivation to keep the shelves organized. 

4. Light colors 

The breezy, cottage look is always charming, but this year, it's also trending. Here's an example with a homemade, cozy flair. Sometimes, some paint and a trip to the antique store can work wonders in a remodel!

5. Marble Kitchen

Marble is always a popular material. Nevertheless, it's being highlighted again and again in design blogs. Here, we see a few popular kitchen design tips rolled into one: marble countertops matched with a marble backsplash. It's a subtle move that works well in tying the space together. 

6. Kitchen Sconces

Under-cabinet lights are going the way of the dinosaurs. Replacing them? Sconces, like the ones shown above. Just another example of how much kitchens are opening up this season!

7. Mixed Materials

This one's a sort-of grand slam in trendy kitchen design. Here, we see three extremely popular materials - reclaimed wood, granite and natural stone - used in perfect harmony.

8. Wall Designs

Finally, this year, designers are encouraging redecorators to get creative with kitchen wall space - especially backslashes. Here's a lovely example with a brick pattern. 

Are you considering a kitchen remodel? Are you considering any of these styles in particular? Leave us a comment and let us know what you're thinking about doing!

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Go Green - Energy Efficient Home Checklist

Going green is all the rage right now, and for many good reasons. From transportation to business practices to products in our stores, more and more people and companies are shuffling off the old way of doing things in favor of more environmentally sound methods.

But, sustainable practices aren’t just good for the environment; they’re also extremely valuable when it comes to redecorating and powering your home. The National Association of Home Builders has been a huge advocate of green remodeling tactics. They’ve even created a guide to putting together “all-encompassing approach that emphasizes making a home healthy, comfortable, and efficient.”

The list of strategies for green living is long and detailed, and can get expensive in construction, but we’ve compiled a good introductory list of things to consider if you’re planning a home remodel - and have the color green in mind.

ENERGY AUDIT

A home energy audit, sometimes called a home energy assessment, is a great first step before you remodel in order to understand what you’re already working with. The audit, performed by a professional energy auditor, will gauge how much energy your home consumes. The results will point to ideas for making your home more energy efficient during your remodel - replacing old windows, insulation, light bulbs, furnaces, etc. Greater efficiency = greater monthly savings.

BUILDING MATERIALS

When it comes to the nuts and bolts of remodeling, the folks at the renown television program advise that you ask this question; how green do you want to be? “If your goal is simply an energy-efficient house, you can focus on Energy Star appliances, on-demand water heaters, high-efficiency insulation and windows, and solar technology,” they suggest. If you’re thinking green with regard to raw materials for walls, floors and more, you can also look into reclaimed lumber and recycled building materials. Habitat for Humanity is a great resource; their ReStore outlets offer a revolving range of reclaimed building materials.

APPLIANCE RATINGS

As previously mentioned, new, energy-efficient appliances aren’t only a smart way to go, but they’re dropping in price as more and more models and companies enter the green market. From washing machines to dishwashers to low-flow toilets, the options are endless. Not sure which models in the showroom are rated as Energy Star, or offer the best bang for your buck? Check this guide for the complete inventory.

“PASSIVE SOLAR”

Are you familiar with the term “passive solar?” If you’re planning a green remodel, you should be. This doesn’t refer to the installation of pricy solar panels; let’s face it, not all of us are able to plunk down that kind of cash. Instead, the US Department of Energy describes this strategy as one that “ takes advantage of a building’s site, climate, and materials to minimize energy use.” In passive solar designs, windows, walls, and floors are built with materials that are natural allies in your area for trapping and storing energy, without the use of mechanical or electrical assistance. Yeah, it sounds complicated, but when done properly, the initial cost can be extremely affordable. And, thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are a lot of resources to study up on.

RAIN GARDENS

Moving beyond simply greening-up your living space, consider an overhaul to your surroundings. One easy and popular way to do this is with a rain garden. Rain gardens are ace when it comes to trapping runoff, keeping more of it in the ground and less on your sidewalks or driveway. Plus, all that extra moisture acts as nature’s sprinkler system, cutting back on the amount of water needed to hydrate your lawn during summer months. There are great resources available all over the web, with step by step guides for creating your very own rain garden.

This is obviously a simple guide to kick-start the going green thought process. Are you contemplating an eco-friendly home remodel? Have you already done one? Any tips? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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8 Awesome Pinterest Examples of Radiant Orchid

There’s nothing demure about Pantone Color’s 2014’s “Color of the Year.” The muted blues, greys and silvers of years past have now been replaced by the appropriately-named “Radiant Orchid.”

This aggressively named and hued purple, often with jewel-red undertones, is already making appearances in celebrity spring fashion and the runway, receiving rave reviews along the way.

Now, it goes without saying that this vibrant color isn’t for everyone...BUT, if you’re interested in exploring how stylish Pinterest users are getting on board with this year’s color, we’ve put together eight images we think capture the essence of Radiant Orchid quite nicely.

Matching walls, curtains and upholstery mix to create a strong statement for this sitting room. (Courtesy of Pantone Color)

A rustic take on 2014 is made with orchid stain and an ornate rug. (Designtricks.net)

This elegant decor showcases the versatility of Radiant Orchid, as well as some natural color and fixture companions. (Thanks to blog.homeandstone.com)

This guest bedroom pops with spring color and soft accent pieces in complimentary colors. (Thanks to spacecasedesign.com)

This one...is a bit of a project and commitment. It’s also, in this blogger’s opinion, really awesome. For the more adventurous home decorator, it’s a thought. (Pin from ameblo.jp)

A little paint creates this soft, romantic take on Radiant Orchid for a guest bathroom. (Found via Carolyn Pollack Jewelry)

This bedroom is a nice example of how even a color this bold has a goodly amount of complimentary companions. Accent pieces and splashes of Radiant Orchid might be just the ticket for a whimsical childrens’ room. (Pin from Baby Deco)

And finally, the minimalist approach with simple, clean, white companions. (Gleaned from Google+)

Alright, now that we’ve shown you a few ideas, would you ever consider redoing any room in your home with Radiant Orchid? Too much? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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